Marking the 25th anniversary of UN Security Council resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security, this event will spotlight the impact of women in weapons of mass destruction (WMD) non-proliferation and disarmament, exploring strategic and practical advantages of gender-inclusive policy and ways to overcome the structural barriers that hinder women’s full participation.
The event, held in collaboration with the Permanent Mission of Slovenia to the UN in New York, will serve to amplify the leadership of women as essential to effective, inclusive and sustainable non-proliferation and disarmament efforts.
It will also help inspire the next generation, particularly young women and professionals, who aspire to contribute to this critical field.
Key questions for discussion include:
- How can women’s leadership strengthen global efforts in WMD non-proliferation, disarmament and arms control?
- What systemic barriers still limit women’s participation, and what practical steps are needed to overcome them?
- How can research and evidence, such as UNIDIR’s findings, help shape more inclusive policies and institutional processes?
- What actions today will help secure a more gender-inclusive, diverse and representative next generation of leaders in WMD non-proliferation and disarmament?
- Sharing of personal journeys: What challenges have you faced, and how do you fulfil your multiple roles both at work and at home? What advice would you give to women peers or aspirant women leaders in this field?
Programme
Opening remarks
- Adedeji Ebo, Director and Deputy to the High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs
Expert presentation
- Dr Renata Hessmann Dalaqua, Head of the Integrated Approaches – Gender and Disarmament Programme, UNIDIR
Panel conversation
- Ambassador Maritza Chan Valverde, Permanent Representative of Costa Rica to the UN in New York
- Irina Albrecht, WMD non-proliferation expert
- Peihan Li, WMD non-proliferation expert
Moderated by: Ambassador Ondina Blokar-Drobič, Deputy Permanent Representative of Slovenia to the UN in New York.
When and where
Wednesday, 29 October, 13:15 – 14:30 EDT, Conference Room 8, UN Headquarters, New York, and online.
Participants
The event is open to Member States representatives, civil society and academics. Kindly note that UNIDIR is not able to grant access to the UN Headquarters for those who are not already in possession of the UN accreditation.
RSVP
To participate, kindly register here.
In collaboration with
