High Level Symposium: 25th Anniversary of the Women, Peace and Security Agenda

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security. The resolution was a landmark moment, as it was the first to emphasize the protection of women in conflict, as well as to recognize the importance of their participation in peace processes, while advocating for a gender-sensitive approach to security.

To mark the anniversary of Women, Peace and Security, an international seminar was held as a side event to the Reykjavik Global Forum on Women Leaders,

It was organized jointly by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Iceland, the Icelandic chapter of the Nordic Women Mediators Network, GRÓ–GEST – the Gender Equality Studies and Training Programme, the Institute of International Affairs at the University of Iceland, UN Women Iceland and UNA Iceland.

Despite increasing recognition of the critical role of women in peace and security, the proportion of support to women’s organizations in conflict-affected regions has declined in recent years. This regression undermines the ability to meet the goals and commitments of Resolution 1325.

The speakers discussed the diverse experiences regarding women’s involvement in peace and security, focusing on their role within the international system and their participation in conflict prevention, peace negotiations and post-conflict reconstruction.

Featuring

Dr. Irma Erlingsdóttir – Director of The Gender Equality Studies and Training Programme, University of Iceland and Member of the NWM Icelandic Network

Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir – Minister for Foreign Affairs of Iceland

Ambassador Melanne Verveer – Director of the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security

Mariana Betsa – Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine

Dr. Isata Mahoi – Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Sierra Leone

Sofia Calltorp – Director of UN Women in Geneva and Chief of Humanitarian Action

Summer Abu Mughli – Partnership and Global Initiatives at An-Najah National University, Palestine