QUEZON CITY, (PIA) — The Philippines will host the first ministerial-level International Conference on Women, Peace and Security (ICWPS) from October 28 to 30, 2024, officials announced during a press briefing at Malacañan Palace.
The conference, organized by the Philippine government through the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Department of Budget and Management (DBM), and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU), aims to strengthen the global Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda. Key partners in planning include the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), UN Women, and the ASEAN Institute for Peace and Reconciliation.
DFA Secretary Enrique A. Manalo emphasized the Philippines’ commitment to the WPS agenda, reflecting its national policies and engagements with international organizations.
“The ICWPS will not only be a platform for sharing insights but also a powerful demonstration of our leadership in advancing the WPS agenda worldwide,” Manalo said.
A major thematic session will focus on financing strategies for WPS initiatives. DBM Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman highlighted the need for innovative financing solutions to enhance investments in women, peace, and security.
Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity, Secretary Carlito G. Galvez Jr., noted the conference’s goal to emphasize the vital role of women in achieving lasting peace, particularly in conflict-affected areas.
Galvez pointed out that the Philippine peace process aligns with UN resolutions on Women, Peace, and Security.
The conference will also address the intersection of WPS and climate security.
PCW Chair Ermelita V. Valdeavilla, for her part, stressed that women disproportionately face economic vulnerabilities due to climate-induced challenges, yet they hold significant potential to contribute to solutions.
Philippine Center for Islam and Democracy President Amina Rasul-Bernardo underscored the critical role women have played in peace negotiations, particularly in resolving conflicts in Muslim Mindanao, and expressed hope that the conference will provide a platform for sharing experiences with global counterparts.
With a theme of “Forging Collaboration and Convergence for Advancing Women, Peace, and Security,” the event aims to enhance women’s meaningful participation and leadership in peacebuilding.
Approximately 400 participants, including ministers, international delegates, and representatives from civil society, academic institutions, and local government units, are expected to attend.
The Philippines, a pioneer in adopting a National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security in 2010, seeks to highlight its progressive strategies and commitments to gender equality and sustainable peace during the conference.
One anticipated outcome is the adoption of the Manila Declaration, currently under negotiation in New York, which will further solidify the country’s dedication to the WPS agenda.
As the Philippines prepares to host this landmark event, the Marcos administration reiterated its commitment to advancing gender equality and empowering women in peace and security efforts. (AVS/PIA-NCR)
