Peace and security policies have traditionally been shaped by state-centric and militarised approaches. Yet ongoing conflicts highlight their limits, notably their failure to address structural drivers of violence and the exclusion of women and marginalised groups. Feminist approaches to peace and security respond by centering equality, inclusivity, human rights, and human security. Supporters argue these frameworks promote more sustainable peace by tackling root causes such as inequality and social exclusion, while advancing non-violent, community-based solutions. Critics question whether they underplay military deterrence or reflect Western-centric perspectives that may not resonate globally.
In this context and to mark the 2026 International Women's Day, the International Gender Champions, the Club Diplomatique de Genève, the Geneva Graduate Institute and the Delegation of the European Union to the UN and other International Organisations in Geneva hosted the 7th Geneva Gender Debate. In the tradition of the Oxford Union Debates, the motion debated on this occasion was: “This House believes that countries should adopt a feminist approach to peace and security to address today’s global security challenges.”
Raymond Loretan, President of the Diplomatic Club of Geneva, welcomed the audience, followed by Opening Remarks by Ambassador Deike Potzel, Permanent Observer of the European Union to the United Nations Office and other International Organisations in Geneva. The debate, moderated by Raksha Gopal, a PhD Candidate at the Geneva Graduate Institute, saw four Champions arguing in favour and against the motion:
- Nathalie Chuard, Director, DCAF - Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance
- Randolph de Battista, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Malta to the United Nations Office and other International Organisations in Geneva
- Khalid Koser, Executive Director, Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund (GCERF)
- Musonda Mumba, Secretary General, Ramsar Convention on Wetlands
Nicole Bourbonnais, Co-Director of the Gender Centre of the Geneva Graduate Institute, delivered closing remarks.The debate was followed by a recption for Champions and their teams, hosted by the Diplomatic Club of Geneva.
The IGC annual debate showcases IGC’s core mission of bringing together decision-makers of all genders to break down barriers for gender equality. It is an opportunity to raise awareness on matters of gender equality through the art of debate by
• Fostering nuanced exchange on the challenges and changes needed to achieve gender equality and women’s rights.
• Showcasing the interconnectedness of gender equality with international policies.
• Building the IGC community and promoting a multistakeholder approach between current Champions, alumni, students and friends of the IGC.
Format.
A full recording of the event is available here.
