2026 Geneva Gender Debate

Peace and security policies have traditionally been shaped by state-centric and militarised approaches. Yet ongoing conflicts highlight their limits, notably their failure to address structural drivers of violence and the exclusion of women and marginalised groups. Feminist approaches to peace and security respond by centering equality, inclusivity, human rights, and human security. Supporters argue these frameworks promote more sustainable peace by tackling root causes such as inequality and social exclusion, while advancing non-violent, community-based solutions. Critics question whether they underplay military deterrence or reflect Western-centric perspectives that may not resonate globally.


In the tradition of Oxford Union debates, the motion debated on the occasion of this high-level event will be: “This House believes that countries should adopt a feminist approach to peace and security to address today’s global security challenges.”

Welcoming remarks

• Raymond Loretan, President, Diplomatic Club of Geneva

Opening remarks

• H.E. Deike Potzel, Ambassador of the European Union to the United Nations Office and other International Organisations in Geneva

Debaters

• Ambassador Nathalie Chuard, Director, DCAF - Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance
• H.E. Randolph de Battista, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Malta to the United Nations Office and other International Organisations in Geneva
• Dr. Khalid Koser, Executive Director, Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund (GCERF)
• Dr. Musonda Mumba, Secretary General, Ramsar Convention on Wetlands

Closing remarks

• Nicole Bourbonnais, Co-Director, Gender Centre, Geneva Graduate Institute 

The event is open to the public, including members of the International Gender Champions network and the wider Geneva community, and will be followed by a reception which members of the IGC network – both Champions and focal points - are welcome to enjoy. In case you cannot make it in person, the event will also be uploaded to Youtube following the conclusion of the debate.

To attend, kindly register by emailing secretariat@clubdiplomatique.ch by COB today, 2 March.

In Partnership with International Gender Champions, the Club Diplomatique de Genève.