2026 Geneva Gender Debate

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Peace and security policies have traditionally been shaped by state-centric and militarised approaches. Yet ongoing conflicts highlight their limits, notably their failure to address structural drivers of violence and the exclusion of women and marginalised groups. Feminist approaches to peace and security respond by centering equality, inclusivity, human rights, and human security. Supporters argue these frameworks promote more sustainable peace by tackling root causes such as inequality and social exclusion, while advancing non-violent, community-based solutions. Critics question whether they underplay military deterrence or reflect Western-centric perspectives that may not resonate globally.

In this context, the International Gender Champions, the Club Diplomatique de Genève, and the Geneva Graduate Institute are hosting the 7th Geneva Gender Debate, with the support of the European Union to the United Nations. In the tradition of the Oxford Union Debates, the motion debated on this occasion will be: “This House believes that countries should adopt a feminist approach to peace and security to address today’s global security challenges.”
Opening remarks:
Raymond Loretan, President, Diplomatic Club of Geneva
Deike Potzel, Ambassador of the European Union to the United Nations Office and other International Organisations in Geneva
Debaters:
Nathalie Chuard, Director, DCAF - Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance
Randolph de Battista, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Malta to the United Nations Office and other International Organisations in Geneva
Khalid Koser, Executive Director, Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund (GCERF)
Musonda Mumba, Secretary General, Ramsar Convention on Wetlands
Moderator:
Raksha Gopal, PhD Candidate in International Relations and Political Science, Research Assistant at the Gender Center, Geneva Graduate Institute
Closing remarks:
Nicole Bourbonnais, Co-Director, Gender Centre, Geneva Graduate Institute