In support of the commemoration of the 25th anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 1325, the International Dialogue Centre - KAICIID reinforced its institutional commitment to the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda through a series of engagements and initiatives advancing women’s leadership in peace efforts. Engagements at the global stage, multi-stakeholder dialogue initiatives in New York, and a powerful communications campaign launched for the 16 Days of Activism are a few examples of how KAICIID worked to elevate the leadership of women, especially women of faith, as essential actors in peacebuilding and conflict transformation. 

Together, these events offered a timely platform to elevate the voices of women, particularly women of faith, as essential actors in peacebuilding, mediation, and post-conflict reconstruction.

A Collective Call for Peace from Sarajevo

Held from 16–18 October, the Sarajevo edition of “A Call for Peace” built on the momentum of its inaugural gathering in Gernika earlier this year, amplifying its message from a city that itself has become a symbol of resilience and reconciliation. Organised by UNAOC in collaboration with Religions for Peace, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the Interreligious Council of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the conference convened international leaders to urge an end to armed conflicts and demand renewed respect for international law.

KAICIID joined its longstanding partners in supporting this call, contributing to the thematic roundtable “Women Shaping a Future of Peace: Bridging Gaps in Global Challenges.” The session highlighted the ongoing struggle for women’s inclusion in peace processes, reaffirming that sustainable peace cannot be achieved without inclusive, gender-aware approaches that draw on the leadership, experience, and moral authority of women, especially those rooted in faith communities.

“Peace cannot be sustainable if it is not inclusive; and inclusion begins with listening to those who hold their communities together — especially women of faith.”

The conference concluded with the Sarajevo Joint Statement, which calls on governments, civil society, and faith-based actors to promote peace, uphold international legal norms, and protect the dignity of all people, particularly in conflict-affected regions. 

A Virtual Dialogue with Faith-Based Women Mediators and Peacebuilders

On 30 October, KAICIID as Co-Chair of the Gender Working Group contributed to the MFAC-hosted webinar “A Common Pledge: Advancing the Unique Role of Women and Young Women of Faith Mediators,” held in conjunction with the 25th anniversary of the WPS Agenda. The event gathered UN bodies, member states, and civil society actors to recognise the often-overlooked role that women of faith play in mediating conflicts at all levels, from formal negotiations to community-based peace processes.

Despite the demonstrated impact of women in these spaces, global participation rates remain alarmingly low: in 2023, women comprised only 9.6% of negotiators and 13.7% of mediators. The webinar spotlighted the “Common Pledge for Women’s Participation” launched by the UN Secretary-General as a global call to action. Discussions focused on how to move from rhetoric to results, through direct support, capacity-building, and institutional recognition of women and young women of faith as credible peace actors.

KAICIID continues to support this agenda through its global programme portfolio, policy engagement, and interfaith networks. From Latin America to Southeast Asia, the Centre works with women peacebuilders to advance shared values of dignity, inclusion, and peaceful coexistence. 

From Advocacy to Action: 16 Days of Activism Campaign

KAICIID launched its 2025 global campaign for the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, running annually from 25 November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women) to 10 December (Human Rights Day).

This year’s campaign holds special significance, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of UNSCR 1325. Under the theme: “Unyielding Voices: From Conflict Zones to Digital Frontlines – Faith in Action for the Women, Peace and Security Agenda”

Showcasing women peace mediators and dialogue practitioners across its programme region, Africa, the Arab Region, Asia, Latin America, and Europe, and highlighting the essential role of religious and traditional leaders working alongside women to eliminate gender-based violence, the campaign demonstrated interreligious dialogue (IRD) as a tool for preventing and addressing gender-based violence and showcase best practices supporting women mediators through networks, training, and policy engagement as well as the role of religious actors to advocate for the elimination of GBV and advance the WPS agenda.

The campaign culminated in the webinar on 04 December amplifying the stories, lessons, and advocacy messages shared throughout the 16 Days.

Looking Ahead: A Renewed Commitment to Women’s Leadership in Peace

These initiatives serve as examples of solidarity and show that when women are included, supported, and empowered, the path to dialogue, reconciliation, and justice becomes stronger and more enduring. As the international community reflects on 25 years of the Women, Peace and Security agenda, these engagements signal progress made and the work still ahead, and a reminder of the shared responsibility to ensure that women’s leadership in peace is recognized, respected, and fully realized.”

As the international community marks 25 years since the adoption of UNSCR 1325, KAICIID stands ready to contribute to the next chapter; one in which women of faith are not only included but empowered as full and equal partners in peace. 

The Centre invites all interested actors to take forward the lessons, the testimonies, and the commitments expressed through the campaign and events with a view to strengthen the Women, Peace and Security agenda through solid action.