RESDAL Helps Disseminate IPI Policy Forum “Choices that Shape the Mission”

RESDAL is among the partner institutions of this policy forum, to be held in New York during Women, Peace and Security Week, with both in-person and online participation. The network will take part in the panel through the virtual intervention of Cecilia Mazzotta, RESDAL’s Specialist in Women, Peace and Security. 

Choices that Shape the Mission: Mobilizing WPS Research for More Effective Peacekeeping
 Wednesday October 28, 2026, from 9:15-11:00am ET
 Trygve Lie Center for Peace, Security & Development
 International Peace Institute
 777 United Nations Plaza, 12th Floor
 (Corner of 1st Avenue and 44th Street) 

The International Peace Institute (IPI) and Global Affairs Canada, in partnership with the Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance (DCAF), the Gender and Security Lab at Cornell University (GSS), the Latin American Security and Defence Network (RESDAL), and Monash University Gender Peace and Security (GPS), are pleased to invite you to this public policy forum on Wednesday, October 28 from 9:15-11:00am. This hybrid event will take place in person at IPI (777 United Nations Plaza, 12th Floor) and online. Registration is required. 

Since 2017, the Elsie Initiative for Women in Peace Operations, led by Global Affairs Canada, has served as a key partner supporting targeted research related to advancing uniformed women’s meaningful participation in UN peace operations. This research portfolio is an invaluable tool to help inform policy decisions that can translate the research into action. 

This policy forum, taking place during WPS week, is a chance to reflect upon the key findings of Elsie sponsored research and an opportunity to present a new short video, “Choices that Shape the Mission,” which summarizes urgent messages from across the extensive body of Elsie funded research. 

Speakers will include: 

●     Ambassador Jacqueline O’Neill, Former Women, Peace and Security Ambassador for Canada (tbc) 

●     Irene Fellin, NATO Secretary General’s Special Representative for Women, Peace and Security (tbc) 

●     Inka Lilja, Senior Manager, DCAF 

●     Deborah Warren-Smith, Manager, Elsie Initiative Fund 

●     Cecilia Mazzotta, Specialist in Women, Peace and Security, RESDAL (virtual) 

●     Moderator: Phoebe Donnelly, Senior Fellow and Head of Women, Peace and Security, IPI 

Additional speakers will be announced closer to the date. Light refreshments will be provided. We hope that you will be able to join us. 

Simultaneous French translation will be provided for virtual participants. 

Registration 

●     In-person attendance: register here 

●     Virtual attendance: register here 

For questions, contact: Olivia Parsons (parsons@ipinst.org)