In the historic Sala del Mappamondo of the Italian Chamber of Deputies, WIIS Italy convened an exceptional gathering of leaders, policymakers, parliamentarians, mediators, experts, and civil society representatives ahead of the high-level Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Focal Points Network Meeting, co-chaired by Italy.
Organized in partnership with the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the Mediterranean Women Mediators Network, and IDLO, the event provided a unique platform for dialogue among institutions, international organizations, and practitioners committed to advancing the Women, Peace and Security Agenda.
The strong participation of Members of Parliament highlighted a shared commitment to placing women’s leadership at the center of peace and security efforts. Their presence underscored the growing recognition that inclusive decision-making is essential to addressing today’s increasingly complex global challenges.
Drawing on experiences from Ukraine, Afghanistan, and countries across the Mediterranean region, participants exchanged perspectives on the obstacles and opportunities facing women working in peacebuilding, mediation, and conflict prevention. While the contexts discussed varied significantly, a common message emerged throughout the conversation: no single institution, organization, or actor can effectively respond to contemporary crises alone.
Progress on the Women, Peace and Security Agenda depends on partnership, coordination, and collective action. As preparations continue for the upcoming WPS Focal Points Network Meeting, speakers emphasized the importance of translating commitments into concrete policies and ensuring that women’s expertise, leadership, and lived experiences are fully integrated into decision-making processes at every level.
The discussion also served as a powerful reminder that women are not waiting to be included in peace and security processes. Across regions and contexts, they are already leading, mediating, negotiating, and building peace. The responsibility of institutions is therefore not only to recognize their contributions, but also to support, strengthen, and amplify them.
WIIS Italy extends its sincere gratitude to all speakers, partners, and participants who contributed to such a rich and inspiring exchange. Special thanks are due to Lia Quartapelle and Hon. Lorenzo Cesa for their valuable institutional support, which helped make this important dialogue possible.
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