First ladies Peng Liyuan of China and Kim Hea Kyung of the Republic of Korea (ROK) bonded over tea in Beijing this week, discussing cross-border collaboration to empower women and children. The meeting coincided with President Lee Jae Myung's state visit, signaling strengthened diplomatic warmth ❄️➡️🔥.
Building Bridges Through Shared Goals
Peng emphasized "people-to-people connections" as key to international relations, while Kim praised China's track record in child welfare. Their dialogue translated to action: both nations signed a memorandum to protect children's rights through joint training programs and policy exchanges 📝.
From Local Impact to Global Leadership
Peng's decade-long advocacy continues making waves 🌊. Since 2014, her UNESCO role has advanced girls' education worldwide. Last year, her China-Africa initiative provided health support to children in 50+ African countries.
By the Numbers: China's 2026 Roadmap
💵 $10M pledged to UN Women
🌏 1,000 livelihood programs for women globally
✈️ 50,000 int'l women invited for training
These commitments build on China's top-tier maternal health stats and WHO-recognized child mortality reductions. As UNICEF's China rep notes: "China's programs are game-changers for the Global South."
