An Cosantóir

| 31 www.military.ie THE DEFENCE FORCES MAGAZINE www.military.ie THE DEFENCE FORCES MAGAZINE | 31 Forces, for her leadership and continued engagement with the network. Acknowledging the contribution of former Ex-Officio member General Michael Claesson, Chief of Defence of the Swedish Armed Forces, Lt Gen Mulcahy recognised Sweden's early leadership role in the WPS CHODs Network and its continued commitment to advancing gender perspectives across global defence cooperation. The Executive Committee discussed a number of key agenda items, including the establishment of a Senior Gender Advisors Group and the drafting of a joint international statement addressing the global pushback against the WPS agenda and highlighting violations of women's and girls' rights in conflict settings. In the afternoon session, representatives from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Ms Jolene Quinn and Ms Kate Collins, delivered a presentation on the influence of the WPS agenda in shaping Ireland's foreign policy. This was followed by an open forum focused on increasing female participation within armed forces. Concluding the meeting, Lt Gen Mulcahy thanked attendees for their participation and reaffirmed the Defence Forces' commitment to promoting gender equality within military institutions and operations. "As we mark 25 years of the WPS agenda, collaboration between armed forces worldwide remains vital. I encourage members to continue sharing best practices and experiences, and to contribute to the development of the network's initiatives, including the WPS CHODs website and future joint statements," he said. In addition, The Defence Forces marked the occasion of the 25th Anniversary on UN Security Council Resolution 1325 and the Women, Peace and Security agenda with a high- level meeting held in Cathal Brugha Barracks This Security Council Resolution and the Women, Peace and Security agenda recognise that during conflict situations women and girls and other vulnerable groups are disproportionately affected by violence and conflict and that their security needs must be considered during all phases of operational planning. The key pillars associated with Women, Peace and Security are the Protection of vulnerable groups, including women and children, the Prevention of violence, particularly sexual violence in conflict situations. and the Promotion of Participation of women in all phases of conflict including peacebuilding. This conference brought together speakers from across the spectrum of Irish society including the governmental, academic, Civil Society and military representatives. The Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces also launched the Fourth Defence Forces Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security at the conference. This iteration of the Defence Forces Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security has been developed by continuing the work of the three previous Action Plans, developing the concepts laid out by its predecessors and it builds upon their success. The Action Plan gives the Defence Forces an opportunity to formalise the previously mentioned, commitments made and objects set for it relating to the Women, Peace and Security Agenda. The Defence Forces are proud to stand among those committed to the principles of the Women, Peace and Security Agenda. This event marks a commitment to continue building on the work we have done through our longstanding tradition of peacekeeping and our partnerships both domestically and with international organisations like the UN. Major General Joyce Sitienei, Kenyan Defence Forces, at the conference in McKee Bks Lt Gen Mulcahy, COS Irish Defence Forces, Col Jayne Lawlor, DF Inclusion Officer and Major General Joyce Sitienei Briefing in Cathal Brugha Barracks marking 25 years of UNSCR 1325

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