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 emphasise the protection of women in conflict, as well as to recognise the importance of their participation in peace processes, while advocating for a gender-sensitive approach to security.

It also advanced cooperation between governments, academia, institutions, and grassroots organisations, with more than half of UN member states now having adopted national action plans on Women, Peace and Security.

To mark the anniversary of Women, Peace and Security, an international seminar will be held as a side event to the Reykjavik Global Forum - Women Leaders held in Reykjavík on 10–11 November 2025.

It is organised 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 will discuss 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.

17:00 – Welcome: Dr Irma Erlingsdóttir, Director of GRÓ GEST – The Gender Equality Studies and Training Programme, University of Iceland and Member of the NWM Icelandic Network

17:10 – Opening Remarks: Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Iceland

17:20 – Panel Discussion: Global Perspectives on Women, Peace and Security

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

Participants
· 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

18:20 – Closing Reflections and Final Remarks – Silja Bára Ómarsdóttir, Rector of the University of Iceland

18:30 – Reception

For further information in Icelandic: https://un.is/.../althjodlegt-malthing-um-konur-frid-og.../

Iceland’s National Action Plan on women, peace and security 2025–2030, see here:Iceland's National Action Plan - on women, peace and security 2025-2030

Registration: https://forms.office.com/e/YmCNAnP5T8

The event will be streamed: https://vimeo.com/event/5488701