The Cairo International Center for Conflict Resolution, Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding (CCCPA) held a training from 7-12 May 2024 aimed at capacitating Egyptian peacekeeping personnel on United Nations  Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325 and the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Agenda, in cooperation with New Zealand.  

The training witnessed the participation of military, police and civilian personnel from the Ministries of Defense, Interior and Foreign Affairs and is  part of joint trainings conducted by the three ministries in the area of peacekeeping. 

The training’s objective was to enhance participants’ understanding of UNSCR 1325 and the key principles of the WPS agenda, encourage them to identify the added value of mainstreaming the WPS agenda in their daily tasks during their deployment, as well as equipping them with the needed skills to advance gender-responsive peacekeeping. In doing so, the training contributes to the ongoing efforts aimed at strengthening the effectiveness of peace operations through leveraging WPS principles and goals.

Ambassador Ahmed Abdel-Latif, Director General of CCCPA, highlighted that the training comes within the context of Egypt’s long-standing commitment to UN peacekeeping as one of the largest troop/police contributing countries. In addition, it reflects Egypt’s strong  support to the effective implementation of the WPS agenda in peacekeeping missions, and its notable contributions in this regard. “The programme also exemplifies the Center’s continuous endeavors to develop its trainings in order to strengthen the capacities of peacekeeping personnel so they are well positioned to address current challenges in line with international standards”, Ambassador Abdel-Latif added. 

Director General of CCCPA also conveyed his appreciation to the Ministries of Defense and Interior for the fruitful cooperation. He also thanked the government of New Zealand for its continued partnership with the Center.

On her part, Ambassador Amy Laureson, Ambassador of New Zealand to Egypt underscored her country’s commitment to enhance peace and security and strengthen international efforts as regards to peacekeeping. She stated that New Zealand believes in “the empowerment of women and their inclusion in all aspects of society”, adding “that extends to including women in peace support and peacebuilding efforts not just because they are women, but because it results in better outcomes. It makes peace more sustainable”. She commended the fruitful collaboration with CCCPA in holding a series of joint capacity building activities including this training. 

Training sessions covered different topics including peacekeeping frameworks and mandates, standards of conduct in peacekeeping missions, UN policies related to Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA), gender in conflict, peace and security as well as key questions related to the WPS agenda in peacekeeping. The training was delivered using experiential and interactive learning approaches, with a strong emphasis on scenario-based and problem-solving exercises, thus providing a platform for exchanging experiences and lessons. Many prominent experts participated in the training including from the United Nations Department of Peace Operations Integrated Training Services (ITS).

Within the training framework, a panel discussion-was held titled “‘United Nations and Troop/Police Contributing Countries’ Role in Implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1325 in Peacekeeping Operations: Challenges and Opportunities”. It witnessed the participation of Ms. Christine Arab, Country Representative, UN Women, Egypt in addition to a number of experts, researchers as well as peacekeepers from Egypt and New Zealand. 

Discussions touched on the critical importance of expanding female participation in peacekeeping missions, the key achievement of the WPS agenda in the context of peacekeeping, the operational challenges to implementing the aforementioned agenda, the gaps that exist between policy and practice, challenges and lessons learned around women’s participation in peacekeeping, and the pivotal role of the pre-deployment training. 

Participants provided an overview of the practical experience they gained during their deployment. They expressed their appreciation for Egypt’s efforts to increase female participation in its contingents taking part in peacekeeping operations.