India Hosts Groundbreaking UN Meet as Women Peacekeepers from Global South Unite in New Delhi

New Delhi, India – India is making a bold statement in the world of peacekeeping. Through the Centre for United Nations Peacekeeping (CUNPK), the Indian Army is hosting the ‘Conference on Women Peacekeepers from the Global South’ at Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi, bringing together women peacekeepers from 35 nations. The two-day event, organised by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Ministry of Defence (MoD), is not just a dialogue but a platform for real change—a push to increase the participation of women in UN peacekeeping operations.

The conference started on a high note, with delegates calling on President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhawan before heading into an insightful keynote address by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.

In his opening remarks, Lt Gen NS Raja Subramani, Vice Chief of Army Staff (VCOAS), cut straight to the heart of the matter:

“Women peacekeepers have shattered barriers, taken on leadership roles, and are making an impact in some of the world’s most fragile regions. India, as a key partner in the Global South, brings experience, resources, and expertise to help strengthen this effort.”

Lt Gen Rakesh Kapoor, Deputy Chief of Army Staff (IS&C), didn’t hold back on highlighting the tough reality peacekeepers face today.

“International Humanitarian Law is facing serious challenges, and that makes the job of peacekeepers harder than ever. But women peacekeepers, with their presence alone, are changing mindsets and encouraging local women to step up and shape their communities.”

Day 1: Tackling the Tough Conversations

The first day saw two hard-hitting discussions that addressed critical aspects of peacekeeping. The first session focused on confronting sexual exploitation and abuse, where Mr Christian Saunders, UN Special Coordinator, moderated the session. Maj Radhika Sen, UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year 2023 was among the panelists for the event. Other panelists included Maj Hind Jirari (Morocco) and Col Simone PC Antunes (Brazil).

This session didn’t sugarcoat anything. It was a blunt, necessary conversation about holding perpetrators accountable, ensuring victims feel safe to speak up, and enforcing a zero-tolerance policy on misconduct in peacekeeping missions.

The second session was on the theme, ‘Technology in Peacekeeping: Can We Do Better?’. Ms Debjani Ghosh, Distinguished Fellow, NITI Aayog & Former NASSCOM President moderated this session. Lt Gen Sadhna Nair from the Indian Army's Director General of Medical Services (DGMS) was one of the panelist for the session. The Former Sector Commander, UNMISS, Brig Munesh Tamang also shared insights during the session.

This discussion cut through the noise and focused on what really works—how AI, drones, and real-time data analytics can revolutionize peacekeeping. But it wasn’t all praise for tech. Experts raised concerns about accessibility for Global South nations and the challenges of integrating these tools in active conflict zones.

Day 2: Strengthening Ties and Shaping the Future

The final day of the conference will see Shri Sanjay Seth, Hon’ble Raksha Rajya Mantri, taking the stage to reinforce India’s commitment to international peacekeeping partnerships. First on the agenda would be ‘Women Leading the Charge in Peacekeeping’. 

Speakers:

• Dr Kiran Bedi, IPS (Retd), Former Lt Governor of Puducherry
• Lt Col Neha Khajuria, Pol CUPNK
• Lt Col Ayishetu Sandow (Ghana)
• Lt Col Sulochana Poudel (Nepal)

Expect this session to focus on women breaking through the military glass ceiling and inspiring the next generation of peacekeepers. Following this, the fourth session on agenda would be ‘Training and Capacity Building in the Global South’.

Speakers:

• Lt Gen MP Singh, Director General Staff Duties
• Col Samar Raghav, Centre for UN Peacekeeping
• Col Phoung Thi Minh Nyugen (Vietnam)
• Col Dilya Akhmetova (Kazakhstan)

The discussion will push for more hands-on training, stronger networks, and better collaboration between countries in the Global South. The last session of this UN Meet would focus on ‘Promoting Regional Cooperation in Peacekeeping’.

Speakers:

• Mr Jean-Pierre Lacroix, USG DPO
• Mr Tshering W Sherpa, JS (UNP), MEA
• Brig Joyce C Sitienei (Kenya)
• Ms Alesi Dau (Fiji)

A deep dive into how nations can work together to make peacekeeping efforts more effective, responsive, and region-specific.

India’s Leadership in Women-Led Peacekeeping

India is making it clear: women’s role in peacekeeping isn’t just symbolic—it’s essential. By hosting this conference, the country is reaffirming its leadership in gender-inclusive peacekeeping and setting the stage for a stronger, more effective global security framework.

The discussions here won’t just end with polite handshakes and photo-ops. The insights shared will help shape policies, redefine training programs, and drive meaningful international collaborations in the years to come. For the women in uniform stepping into the world’s most dangerous conflict zones, this conference is more than just talk—it’s a commitment to a safer, more just future.