From October 29 to 31, 2024, the Inter-American Defense Board participated in the “XV International Security and Defense Summit 2024” held in Santo Domingo and organized by the Global Foundation for Democracy and Development (FUNGLODE) of the Dominican Republic.
The summit addressed the theme “Security has a Woman’s Face: Peace, Gender and International Security”, with the aim of promoting greater inclusion of women in the international dialogue on security; highlighting the importance of their participation in the areas of security and defence, both at the national and global level; and emphasizing that women are an essential component in facing the challenges in defence and security.
The event brought together various national and international organizations, constituting a forum of great importance, since it provided the opportunity to indicate that the IADB is committed to international challenges, offering member states educational, consultative and technical advice to implement Resolution 1325 in the hemisphere, emphasizing that:
a. The advice provided is mainly focused on: integrating women into defence institutions; promoting gender equality; including women in prevention, conflict resolution and peacebuilding processes; as well as in command functions and decision-making processes.
b. The seminars organized by the different areas of the Inter-American Defense Board strengthen the conceptual skills of strategic leaders (women and men) from the member states, promoting military and civilian participation in international issues that are of common interest in the hemisphere. In addition, they represent a key tool to promote the inclusion of women in the military and in peace operations.
c. The OAS's support for the IADB's initiatives in the framework of Women, Peace and Security was highlighted, reflecting its commitment to the inclusion of women in strategic roles. Counselor Pamela Polanco Jorge, of the Permanent Mission of the Dominican Republic to the OAS and Second Vice President of the Committee on Hemispheric Security, highlighted in a video message the importance of women's participation in decision-making, underlining the crucial role of the IADB in promoting the women, peace and security agenda in the hemisphere.
d. In addition, it was emphasized that the IADB, through the Inter-American Defense College (IADC), promotes the training of strategic leaders in the region through educational programs such as seminars, workshops, courses, master's degrees and diplomas. It also highlighted its commitment to inclusion, promoting the participation of women in its administrative and academic staff.
e. It was also noted that the IADB is available to collaborate with initiatives from international organizations, member countries and strategic allies, in order to promote the implementation of the Women, Peace and Security agenda in our hemisphere.
In conclusion, the “15th International Security and Defense Summit 2024” provided the Inter-American Defense Board with the opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to the Women, Peace and Security Agenda, highlighting key initiatives to promote the integration of women in defense institutions and strengthen gender equality policies.
This event strengthened cooperation between national and international actors, promoting joint efforts to advance in a sustained manner the implementation of Resolution 1325 in the hemisphere.
