For the first time in history, at the 80th UN General Assembly, regional organisations of First Ladies and Gentlemen gathered together: SFLG GP, SCLAN, ALMA, and GFLA

New York, September 24, 2025 – In a defining moment for global humanitarian diplomacy, First Ladies and Gentlemen from across the globe came together at UN Headquarters to elevate soft power as a strategic instrument for peace, dignity, and prosperity.

Marking the UN’s 80th Anniversary, the joint high-level event ‘80 Years of the UN: The Role of First Ladies and Gentlemen – Unite for Peace and Prosperity’ regional networks of First Ladies and Gentlemen joined forces under one roof, demonstrating how influence beyond politics can heal communities, bridge divides, and shape a more secure future.

This unprecedented gathering – co-hosted by the Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen Global Platform (SFLG), the Spouses of CARICOM Leaders Action Network (SCLAN), and the Alliance of Spouses of Heads of State and Representatives of Latin America (ALMA), facilitated by the Global First Ladies Alliance (GFLA) – positioned soft power as a decisive tool to heal divisions, champion human dignity, and address humanitarian crises.

The Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen Global Platform initiated this event, once again presenting Ukraine as a powerful agent of public diplomacy and soft power.

“For the first time in history, in the year of the United Nations’ 80th anniversary, nearly all organizations of First Ladies and Gentlemen have gathered in one room – ALMA, SCLAN, GFLA, and the Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen, which I have the honor to represent. This moment is historic and the role of First Ladies and Gentlemen is rapidly evolving.
We are no longer only symbolic figures – we are agents of change. Without anyone granting us authority, we felt the need and took responsibility to act. Where hard power builds borders, our ‘heart power’ builds bridges. Through empathy and trust, we unite where politics often divides – to serve our countries, our people, and humanity itself.” – mentioned Mrs Olena Zelenska, First Lady of Ukraine, Founder of the SFLG Global Platform during her Opening remark.

Distinguished Panel and Key Contributions

The panel of global leaders included:

• Mrs Ann Marie Davis, First Lady of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas – Interim Chair of SCLAN;
• Mrs Rossana Briceño, First Lady of Belize – SCLAN;
• Dr Lucrecia Eugenia Peinado Villanueva, First Lady of Guatemala – ALMA, Chair;
• Mrs Maricel Cohen de Mulino, First Lady of Panama – ALMA;
• Dr Ales Musar, First Gentlemen of Slovenia – SFLG Global Platform;
• Mrs Olena Zelenska, First Lady of Ukraine – SFLG Global Platform, Founder.

Key speakers shared concrete examples of how collaborative efforts by First Ladies and Gentlemen have driven change: expanding access to healthcare for women and children in the Caribbean, promoting education and social inclusion across Latin America, supporting mental health and resilience programs for war-affected families in Europe, and fostering interregional dialogues on gender equality and humanitarian diplomacy.

‘Soft power today is not a symbol; it is a strategy. It is a bridge where politics fails, and a voice that restores dignity where conflicts silence communities,’ emphasised the event’s moderator, Dr Cora Neumann, founder of the Global First Ladies Alliance.

The closing segment featured brief but powerful and special remarks by the First Lady of Serbia, Mrs Tamara Vučić; First Lady of Lithuania, Mrs Diana Nausėdienė; daughter of the President of Iraq, Sara Rashid; Mrs Kristin Burt, First Lady of Bermuda; Mrs Lydia Abela, First Lady of Malta, and Mrs Suzanne Innes-Stubb, First Lady of Finland who reaffirmed their commitment to collective action. First Ladies from Lebanon, Haïti, St. Kitts and Nevis also visited the event, underscoring the universal resonance of the initiative.

First Ladies and Gentlemen from 15 countries across different continents of the world took part in the event.

A highlight of the event was the unveiling of the Joint Statement “The Role of First Ladies and Gentlemen – Unite for Peace and Prosperity”on the Occasion of the 80th Anniversary of the United Nations, presented by Dr Lucrecia Peinado Villanueva, First Lady of Guatemala and Chair of ALMA. The statement announced the initiative of commit to:

• Promoting human dignity, education, and health;
• Supporting those affected by wars, humanitarian crises, and inequality;
• Fostering dialogue, inclusion, and care as key drivers of peace and security.
  

Throughout the discussions, participants highlighted successful collaborations, such as regional vaccination campaigns spearheaded by SCLAN members, ALMA’s educational partnerships that reduced school dropout rates in Latin America, and SFLG GP-led mental health initiatives supporting refugees and post-conflict recovery. These stories demonstrated how humanitarian leadership – grounded in empathy – can reshape societies and deliver lasting impact.

This event marked the first-ever joint event of regional networks of First Ladies and Gentlemen at the United Nations, embedding their voices into the international agenda and signaling a shift toward inclusive, people-centered diplomacy. It laid the foundation for regular coordination during future UN General Assemblies and strengthened a tradition of global collaboration beyond political boundaries.

At the UN’s 80th Anniversary, the embrace of soft power signaled a renewed pledge that humanity, empathy, and cooperation remain indispensable to building a peaceful world.

Additionally: 

The Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen Global Platform — is an international initiative that unites First Ladies and Gentlemen all over the world. The Platform, established in December 2023, builds on the success of the Summits of First Ladies and Gentlemen, launched in 2021 by the First Lady of Ukraine, Olena Zelenska, and aims to unite First Ladies and Gentlemen worldwide to address pressing global challenges.

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ALMA (Alliance of Spouses of Heads of State and Representatives of Latin America) – provides a collaborative platform for Latin American First Ladies to exchange experiences and develop joint social projects. The alliance focuses on addressing regional social issues through shared initiatives and mutual support among member countries.

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SCLAN (Spouses of CARICOM Leaders Action Network) – launched in 2017, is a non-governmental organization endorsed by CARICOM Heads of Government. It serves as an advocacy and action platform aimed at addressing issues related to the health and well-being of women, adolescents, and children in the Caribbean. SCLAN advances initiatives such as the Caribbean Woman Caribbean Child (CariWaC) to promote gender equality and health.

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GFLA (Global First Ladies Alliance) — The Global First Ladies Alliance draws upon fifteen years of experience working with First Ladies and their Offices to set and implement priorities, establish strategic partnerships, and develop strategies to generate positive impact.

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