On October 5, 2020 the Permanent Representation of Germany to the European Union, in the context of the German Presidency of the Council of the EU, co-hosted with International Civil Society Action Network, the Global Alliance of Regional Women Mediator Networks, European Union External Action Service and the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Norway, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom, in a virtual conference “Amplifying Voices for Peace: Women Peacebuilders and Mediators at the Peace Table – The New Norm”.

The event brought together women peacebuilders and mediators with governments and multilateral mediation units. It offered representatives from different women’s networks the space to discuss current challenges and barriers, identify synergies and avenues of cooperation including those related to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as strategies to ensure women’s full participation in peace mediation. Panellists explored how to build on and further develop existing commitments by governments and multilateral institutions; encouraged more countries to join Commitment 2025 on Women’s Inclusion in Peace Processes; shared insights on how to ensure that diplomats and governments are aware of the peace-inclusivity nexus; and highlighted that the meaningful inclusion of women at all levels and in all processes is key to ensuring sustainable outcomes. It is possible to read the full summary of the event here.