WPS and mediation
On 29 October, Asif Khan, Director of DPPA’s Policy and Mediation Division, addressed a high-level side event titled “Reimagining Mediation in a Changing Global Landscape”. DPPA supports mediation processes around the world in some 40 different conflict contexts, he said, noting that inclusion is one of the central planks of this work that continues to grow. Warning of a sharp decline in comprehensive peace agreements, he stressed the need for more inclusive, locally driven approaches to conflict prevention and resolution. Khan highlighted the Secretary-General’s Common Pledge on Women’s Participation and cited UN efforts to strengthen women’s engagement in peace processes, including through the Libyan women’s caucus and constitutional review discussions in Somalia. He reaffirmed DPPA’s commitment to sharing its mediation expertise and supporting women’s leadership at all levels. Watch his remarks on UN Web TV.
Read his full remarks here.
Central Africa
On 29 October, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the UN Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA) Mohamed El-Amine Souef met with Fademba Madakome Waguena of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF) to discuss strengthening cooperation in support of peace, stability and democratic governance in Central Africa. Discussions focused on preventive diplomacy, conflict prevention and support for democratic and electoral processes. Both sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to promoting women’s participation in political life and elections, strengthening the rule of law and combating hate speech as part of broader efforts to foster a more peaceful, inclusive and democratic region.
🔗 https://x.com/UN_UNOCA/status/2115823932376744192
Colombia
In Marinilla, Antioquia, the UN Verification Mission in Colombia participated in the Eastern Antioquia Youth Gathering, held as part of a peace laboratory initiative. Young participants identified challenges facing their communities and developed proposals to promote positive change, including strengthening youth leadership, community networks and protective environments. The Mission also introduced participants to its virtual reality experience, featuring stories of peace agreement implementation in different parts of Colombia. The gathering provided an opportunity to amplify young people’s perspectives and encourage their active participation in local peacebuilding and reconciliation efforts.
Source: dppa.un.org
