Mojahid C. Baraki
The International Conference on Women, Peace, and Security (ICWPS) took place from October 28 to 30, 2024, at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City, Philippines. Themed “Forging Collaboration and Convergence for Advancing Women, Peace, and Security,” the conference marked the 25th anniversary of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325, which emphasizes the critical role of women in conflict resolution and peacebuilding.
The conference drew 691 delegates, including high-ranking officials from 84 countries, as well as representatives from civil society, academia, and government. Key topics included strategies to enhance women’s involvement in peace processes, addressing climate impacts on security, and expanding global partnerships.
At the conference, Mindanao State University (MSU) showcased its peacebuilding initiatives across its campuses by hosting a side event on October 3, 2024, from 12:15 to 1:15 PM. The event, themed “Building Peace, Shaping Futures: Showcasing MSU’s Interventions through the Institute for Peace and Development in Mindanao,” gathered diplomats from various countries, high-ranking officials, peace advocates, MSU leaders, chancellors, IPDM directors, and representatives from MSU IPDM campuses.
The program began with an inspiring opening message from System President Atty. Basari D. Mapupuno, followed by an in-depth discussion with four resource speakers from different MSU IPDM campuses. These included Prof. Almahdi Alonto (Marawi), Dr. Mario Aguja (Gensan), Dr. Mark Anthony Torres (Iligan Institute of Technology), and Dr. Princess Sheryn Mamucao (Maguindanao).
Prof. Alonto presented MSU Marawi’s efforts to counter violent extremism in Lanao del Sur, highlighting initiatives such as psychological healing programs, support for returning students, and wellness activities after the siege. Dr. Torres discussed the technical support provided by MSU IIT to the Bangsamoro peace process, particularly the Transitional Justice and Reconciliation (TJR) mechanisms in the Bangsamoro, and the inclusion of women, peace, and security (WPS) topics in education. He noted that peace education is incorporated into multiple subjects at MSU IIT, with performing arts used as a healing method. Dr. Aguja emphasized transformation programs for the Moro National Liberation Front and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, supporting socio-economic recovery as part of the 1996 Final Peace Agreement. Lastly, Dr. Mamucao shared the experiences of MSU Maguindanao as a pilot institution offering a Diploma in Women, Peace, and Security, in alignment with the National Action Plan on WPS.
During the event, MSU reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the WPS agenda, peacebuilding curricula, and the WPS diploma program. Attendees marked their commitment by signing a banner, and Chancellor Dr. Bai Hejira Nefertiti M. Limbona of MSU Maguindanao delivered the closing remarks.
