Pathways to Peace: Empowering Young Women as Agents of Change

In an increasingly interconnected and complex world, the role of young women in fostering peace and stability cannot be overstated. The panel "Pathways to Peace: Empowering Young Women as Agents of Change" aims to highlight some of the pivotal contributions of young women in peacebuilding and conflict resolution processes. 

This panel will bring together women leaders and activists’ experts from diverse backgrounds to share their experiences and insights in the areas of peacebuilding, including the role played by networks in support of their effective involvement in peacebuilding processes and decision-making at local, national, and international levels. 

The discussion will also explore strategies for overcoming barriers to young women's participation in peacebuilding, including cultural, social, and institutional obstacles. By showcasing successful examples and providing a platform for dialogue, this panel aims to inspire a new generation of young women to take active roles in creating and sustaining peaceful societies and provide concrete recommendations in support of these efforts.

Ultimately, the panel seeks to underscore the critical need for inclusive approaches that recognize and elevate the voices of young women as essential agents of change in the pursuit of global peace and security.

Key Note Speaker

• Ambassador at Large Helga Maria Schmid - President of the European Institute of Peace and Vice President of the Foundation Council of the Munich Security Conference.
   

Opening remarks

• Dr. Lara Scarpitta - OSCE Senior Adviser on Gender Issues, Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe
• Ambassador Thomas Greminger - Executive Director, Geneva Centre for Security Policy

Speakers

• Alisa Kockar - Programme Coordinator at National Youth Council of Serbia and member of Dialogue Academy Alumnae Network (DANA)
• Rita Berisha - Project Manager, University of Iceland and University of Pristina and member of Dialogue Academy Alumnae Network
• Ms. Elham Kohistani - Human Rights Defender, WPS Consultant and OSCE Women Peace Leadership Programme Alumni

Moderator

• Yama Sukhanyar - Executive Director, Youth Center for Dialogue and Peace

Closing remarks

• Dr. Loredana Teodorescu - President, Women in International Security (WIIS) Italy and Head of Mediterranean Women Mediators Network (MWMN)

Interpretation

Interpretation services are available for all events during Geneva Peace Week, both on-site and online, through Wordly AI  

Live streaming

All events during Geneva Peace Week will be available on-site and online.

Main organiser

• Organisation for Security and Co-operation (OSCE)

Co-Organizers

• Geneva Centre for Security Policy (GCSP)
• Women in International Security Italy (WIIS- Italy) 
• Mediterranean Women Mediators Network (MWMN)