Women, Peace and Security Focal Points Network Conference

7-9 November 2023, Bucharest, Romania

The United States of America and Romania, as 2023 Co-Chairs of the WPS Focal Points Network (WPS-FPN), are pleased to invite you to a Women, Peace and Security Focal Points Network Conference, which will take place in Bucharest, Romania on 7-9 November 2023.

The Network will be gathered under the co-chairship theme: “Advancing the adaptability and evolution of WPS as a framework for implementing policy change.” This theme embodies and supports a continuation of the work the Network has done for years, as well as a response to gaps in WPS implementation and the recent global backlash against gender equality.

The 2023 Co-Chairs will take the opportunity to reaffirm the commitment to provide coherence and synergy between Focal Points Network and to facilitate a substantial mechanism for accomplishing WPS objectives.

The conference will address two critical topics, Women in the Security Sector and Women in Cybersecurity, both of which are increasingly important in an ever-evolving global security landscape.

The conference will also be a direct follow-up on the outcomes of the June 2023 WPS-FPN Capital Level Meeting and the September 2023 UNGA High-Level Side Event with the aim to improve coordination between Member States and regional organizations for strengthened implementation of the WPS agenda.

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Opening livestream

Opening Ceremony

Mr. Eduard Bachide on behalf of Minister of National Defence, State Secretary for the Parliament Liaison and Personnel Welfare, Romania

Mrs. Luminița, Teodora Odobescu, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Romania

Ms. Kathleen Kavalec, USA Ambassador to Romania

Mrs. Simona Bucura, Oprescu, Minister for Labour and Social Solidarity, Romania

Dr. Geeta Rao Gupta, US Ambassador-at-large Office of Global Women’s Issues, Department of State

Mr. Ștefan-Radu Oprea, Minister of Economy, Entrepreneurship and Tourism, Romania

Mrs. Nicoleta Pauliuc, President of the Committee for Defense, Public Order and National Security, Senate of Romania

Mrs. Paivi Kannisto, Chief, Peace and Security and Resilience Section, UN Women

Mrs. Anca Dana Dragu, President of the Committee for Human Rights, Equality of Chances, Religions, and Minorities, Senate of Romania

 

Women in Security Sector Panel

Virginia Oțel - Co-President, Global Professional Women's Network

Vice Admiral Louise K. Dedichen - Norwegian Military Representative to NATO

Lieutenant General Corneliu Postu - Director, ROU Defence Staff

Major General Sheryl Gordon - Adjutant General of the Alabama National Guard, United States of America

Brigadier General Pamela McGAHA - NATO HQ Sarajevo Commander Brigadier, United States of America

Chief superintendent of police Maria-Cristina Stepanescu – Deputy Director, National Agency against Human Trafficking

 

Women in Cyber Security Panel

Maria Manuela Catrina - Deputy Director, National Cyber-Security Directorate

Mrs. Monica - Lisette PAUN, Deputy Chief of the Public Procurement Department

Ms. Natia Seskuria, Regional Institute for Security Studies, Georgia

Mrs. Selene Giupponi, Resecurity, Women4Cyber, Italy

Ms. Shebana Alqaseer, Founder/Technical Adviser for Gender and ASRHR of the Young Feminist Collective, Philippines

 

Photos – Opening Ceremony