Taiwan’s former vice president on Friday will talk about the crucial role of women in maintaining world peace and the importance of soft power in the peaceful resolution of marine conflicts in Asia.

Annette Lu, the first female vice president of the Republic of China (Taiwan), will deliver her special remarks at the launching of the Global Women’s Peace Network–Asia (GWPN) at the Manila Hotel.

The GWPN is among the highlights of the 2013 International Leadership Conference, which will be held from January 11 to13. Titled: Universal Principles on Peace and Leadership: A New Paradigm for Building a World of Peace, ILC’s program will feature sessions on innovative approaches to peace-building delivered by world leaders.

Lu served as vice president from 2000 to 2008. She has championed feminism for over four decades, and initiated progress in Taiwan’s feminist movement and campaigned for greater democracy during her service.

Women’s political involvement saw an unprecedented surge in Taiwan during Lu’s eight-year term.

Greater percentage of women legislators paved way for the passing of more laws protecting women’s rights.

In 2011, Lu became the first female world leader to be conferred a World Peace Price by the World Peace Price Awarding Council not only for her active contribution in establishing equal rights for women in Taiwan, but also for her commitment to the promotion of peace and her fight against social injustices in the region.

Since the end of her term, Lu has traveled all over the world to exhibit the strides that Taiwan has reached in protecting human rights and democracy in the international community.