The three-day conference, co-organised by CivOpsHQ and EUMS, provided a vital platform for military and civilian Human Rights and Gender Advisers to share experiences and perspectives. Discussions focused on the evolving roles of women in peace and security, as well as the integration of human rights in mission planning and execution.

This year’s meeting marked two key anniversaries: the 25th anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security, and the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. These milestones offered an opportunity to reflect on progress, reaffirm commitment, and showcase the work of individuals and missions advancing gender equality and human rights—often in complex and challenging environments.

Participants also engaged in a session on the new European External Action Service (EEAS) media strategy. Aude Maio-Coliche, EEAS Director of Policy Planning and Strategic Communication and Ambassador for Equality, led an interactive discussion on effective communication in support of human rights and gender equality initiatives.

Further thematic sessions featured contributions from the European Commission’s services (DG INTPA, DG HOME, EPLO) and international partners such as the Folke Bernadotte Academy, UNICEF, UNTMIS, and the Centre of Excellence for Civilian Crisis Management. Topics included the implementation of GAP III (EU Gender Action Plan III), countering FIMI (Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference) threats, gender-climate-security intersections, justice and security reform, child protection, and engagement with civil society.

In the final sessions, participants explored ways to strengthen engagement with focal point networks and strategies to sustain resilience in high-stress, operational environments.

Douglas Carpenter, Head of Division CivOpsHQ.1, closed the event by emphasizing the value of in-person dialogue and collaboration between civilian and military actors. He underscored the importance of ongoing work in human rights and gender equality, reaffirming that, even amid global turbulence, the European Union remains steadfast in its values and commitments.

EUMS