In preparation for the Open Debate on Women, Peace and Security (WPS) in October 2024, which will be chaired by the Swiss President, Switzerland, in partnership with UN Women, organized a retreat for women mediators under the theme "Women Building Peace in a Changing Environment" from 17-19 July 2024 in New York. This retreat offered a platform to discuss current and emerging challenges and to identify lessons learned and recommendations on women’s meaningful participation in peace processes within the current global context.
Given the important role of the International Gender Champions as a leadership network on gender equality and their contribution during the upcoming Open Debate on WPS, Switzerland organized a Gender Champions Reception at the Swiss Residence on the 17th of July to kick-off this retreat. The reception offered a unique opportunity for the Gender Champions in New York to meet and interact with mediators representing nine different regional networks. The Deputy Executive Director of UN Women, H.E. Ms. Gumbonzvanda, the Secretary General of IPU and Chair of the Global Board of International Gender Champions, H.E. Mr. Chungong, and the President and CEO of the International Peace Institute, H.E. Mr. Ra'ad Al Hussein, hold key note speeches at the opening of the reception.
