 The United States Institute of Peace is honored to support and celebrate the extraordinary women who build peace and end conflicts around the world. Every day and in every way, women in communities across the globe work, often in very difficult and sometimes dangerous environments, to resolve the grievances that drive conflicts, to promote justice and democratic governance so that people can live free and safely, and to build the social conditions that are necessary for sustainable peace and stability. Each year, the Institute receives nominations from across the globe for its Women Building Peace Award. An independent Council of Experts and Advisors guides the process of selecting the finalists from the hundreds of nominations the Institute receives, and they choose the winner of this prestigious annual International Award. It is my privilege to introduce the distinguished co-chairs of the Women Building Peace Council, Megan Byer, and Marsha Myers-Kerlucci, who will present the finalists for the 2023 Women Building Peace Award and who will announce this year's winner. Thank you, Lisa. USIP received over 150 nominations of courageous women peace builders around the world working to end violent conflict and build peace. These nominees demonstrate the breadth and depth of women's contributions to peace building worldwide and underscore the essential role women play in advancing peace. On October 30th, USIP announced four finalists for this year's award. They are Dr. Marie Marcell Deschamps of Haiti. Dr. Deschamps is Deputy Executive Director of Gesquio Centers in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, where she also serves as head of the women's health program. Abir Hajj Ibrahim of Syria. Hajj Ibrahim is one of the co-founders of Muba de Rune. This 4,000-member civil society network advises and trains community development projects. Petronie Voeika of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Voeika is senior mediator and coordinator of a network of women engaged for peace in eastern DRC. Hamisa Zajja of Kenya is the founder and chairperson of Coast Association for Persons with Disabilities, an NGO in Mombasa, Kenya that works to empower persons with disabilities. Marcia? These women were chosen by Women Building Peace Council for their extraordinary courage, commitment and impact of their exceptional peace building efforts. All are truly inspirational. So on behalf of the Women Building Peace Council, it is my honor to announce that the 2023 Women Building Peace Award is awarded to Petronie Voeika of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In a region that poses ongoing challenges, where violence is too often directed toward women and children, Petronie has succeeded against all odds, mobilizing people, negotiating with armed groups, seeking solutions and achieving a 10-year compact peace. Petronie is a remarkable force for peace in the DRC. Early next year, a special celebration will take place in Washington, D.C. to honor each of these extraordinary women and to recognize the recipient of the 2023 Women Building Peace Award. Please follow USIP's social media channels for details and for information on the opening of nominations for the 2024 Women Building Peace Award. Thank you.