The Elders in conversation on women in mediation in the Arab world

This high-level virtual gathering will bring together around 50 experienced mediators, experts, peacebuilders and national and multilateral officials to promote women’s meaningful participation as mediators in peace processes in the Arab world.

It marks the 20th anniversary of the landmark UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security which reaffirmed the important role of women in the prevention and resolution of conflicts, peace negotiations and peacebuilding.

Women are highly active in peace making in the Arab region but there is a missing link between women in grassroots peace making and senior policy circles, where women are under-represented, especially in roles that relate to conflict or security. The virtual gathering will make a contribution to bridging this gap, by bringing together women who are active in mediation from selected countries across the Arab world, with experts and practitioners from other regions and countries, and with members of The Elders. Guests include Christine Bell, PSRP Director, who will speak on “Doing things differently: models for women in mediation”.

Over sessions on three consecutive days, four Elders will share their collective experience and insight into the power and importance of women’s engagement in mediation and hear from leaders in the Arab world about the challenges and the opportunities they face in promoting women’s participation as mediators in the COVID world.

The Elders will publish a final short policy paper with key recommendations for mediators, governments and multilateral organisations, and will use their social media channels to highlight the experiences of women mediators.

A provisional programme is attached. More information will be published in due course.

Wilton Park in conversation provisional programme