QUEZON CITY (PIA) — The International Conference on Women, Peace, and Security (ICWPS) opened in the Philippines on October 28 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City, marking 25 years since the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 1325. The resolution calls for greater involvement of women in peace efforts and protection of their rights in conflict zones.
Under the theme “Forging Collaboration and Convergence for Advancing Women, Peace, and Security,” the conference brought together governments, civil society, academia, and international organizations to advance the role of women in sustainable peace and development.
The Philippines, a pioneering country in Asia with a national action plan for women, peace, and security (WPS) since 2007, hosted the three-day event with over 23 side discussions on topics from interfaith peace building to women’s health and security in conflict regions.
Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. highlights in his opening remarks the purpose of the gathering.
“This is the very reason why we are gathered here today — to advance gender equality and women empowerment in the areas of peace and security. These principles ae articulated in the UN Security Council Resolution 1325 that reaffirms the significant role of women in conflict prevention and resolution, peacebuilding, peacekeeping, humanitarian response, and in post-conflict rehabilitation,” Sec. Galvez said.
Moreover, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique A. Manalo emphasized the need for multi-stakeholder partnerships, stating the WPS agenda has evolved to meet today’s emerging challenges. Key sessions include high-level panels on women’s roles in peace processes, gender-responsive peace frameworks, and the intersection of WPS and climate change.
With participants from Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa, the conference serves as a platform to strengthen regional alliances and share best practices on WPS.
The three-day event was graced by First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed, and Management Secretary Amenah Pangandaman. (AVS / PIA-NCR; Photos by ICWPS)
