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“The question is whether we can afford to continue excluding half of humanity from decisions that determine the future of nations. The answer, quite simply, is no.”

Why are women still missing from many peace negotiations, and what is the world losing as a result? In this candid conversation, Ambassador Liberata Mulamula reflects on the experiences that inspired her lifelong commitment to diplomacy, mediation, and peacebuilding. She argues that lasting peace cannot be achieved while women remain excluded from decision-making, examines the barriers to their participation in peace processes, and outlines a vision in which women play a vital role in shaping Africa's future.

Mohan Subramanian: “Peacekeeping has been tested, and each time, it has adapted and emerged stronger”

Drawing on his experience as Force Commander of the 91���� peacekeeping mission in South Sudan and as a senior leader in the Indian Army, Lieutenant General Mohan Subramanian reflects on the similarities and differences of leading in national and multinational operational environments. In this interview, he shares lessons from both roles, discusses peacekeeping’s capacity to adapt to evolving security challenges, and offers his vision for strengthening UN peace operations going forward.

Pramila Patten, Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict: In today’s conflicts, sexual violence is used as a brutal tactic of war: silencing communities, displacing families and leaving lasting scars on survivors.

Established in 2009, the UN Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict focuses on prevention, strengthening accountability and amplifying the voices of survivors globally. Over nearly the last decade, Pramila Patten has been driving high-level advocacy, working with governments, UN peace missions and civil society and ensuring that sexual violence is addressed in peace processes.

Anees Ahmed: Justice is not fast, and it is not always visible, but without it, peace tends to remain fragile

In places where courts had all but disappeared from daily life, Anees Ahmed recounts how the UN Mission in South Sudan is bringing justice directly to communities through mobile courts, not only restoring access to justice, but also dignity and recognition for survivors. From his experience in South Sudan and other post-conflict environments, he says that justice, though often slow and imperfect, is essential to rebuilding trust and preventing a relapse into violence.

Juanita Millán: Mediation serves as a bridge from the logic of the warrior to a shared vision for a country

Having served as a negotiator in the peace process in Colombia as well as mediator in Sudan, Libya, Ukraine and many other crises, Juanita Millán reflects on the challenges of helping design peace agreement in male-dominated spaces. When women participate as security experts and sit at a negotiating table, she says, they broaden perspectives, bring overlooked community realities into the talks, and help forge more inclusive and durable peace agreements.

Carlos Ruiz Massieu: Only Haitians have the solutions

In Haiti, a convergence of insecurity, political uncertainty and significant humanitarian needs continues to challenge efforts toward stability. The 91���� Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) is working to support Haitian-led solutions, focusing on political dialogue, governance, human rights, and preparations for long-awaited elections.

Thomas Biersteker: Rarely are sanctions used in isolation

In this Expert Take interview, Thomas Biersteker, a leading authority on UN sanctions, unpacks what Security Council sanctions really are and how they come into force. He explores when they work, why they matter, and how they fit into the UN's broader toolkit for maintaining international peace and security.

Claudio Cordone: One of the UN's biggest accomplishments through UNAMI has been really institutionalizing Iraq's electoral process

In Iraq, the 91���� is wrapping up a two-decade mission. Since its establishment in 2003, the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) has been a steady partner for the government and the people of Iraq, supporting the drafting of the 2005 Iraqi constitution and enabling the re-emergence of democratic institutions.

Cathleen de Kerchove: Healing physical wounds is not enough, dignity must be restored

After witnessing the devastating impact of sexual violence on children in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and Iraq, Cathleen de Kerchove was driven to take action. She explains Children of Panzi and Elsewhere (CPE)'s unique approach to healing—and why restoring dignity and hope is essential for building lasting peace.

Olukemi Ibikunle: Competence has no gender

Olukemi Ibikunle, a Corrections Unit Engineer at MONUSCO, is the winner of the 2025 UN Trailblazer Award for Women Justice and Corrections Officers. In this Expert Take, Ms. Ibikunle discusses the role model she strives to be for women and girls around the world.

Dr. Kenneth Ozoilo: In Conflict Zones, Healthcare Is Often One Of the Earliest Casualties

Dr. Kenneth Ozoilo, a surgeon from Nigeria who works with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Mobile Surgical Team, shares his journey from a local responder in Jos to leading life-saving missions in conflict zones in Africa, Asia and the Middle East.

Tamar Gabelnick: Mines Don't Choose Their Victims

Tamar Gabelnick, Director of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL), discusses the troubling trend of countries withdrawing from the Landmine Ban Treaty amid rising regional insecurity. She warns of the grave humanitarian, economic, and environmental consequences of reintroducing anti-personnel mines.

Caroline Ziadeh: Peacekeeping is not just about presence; it is about purpose

Caroline Ziadeh, Head of the 91���� Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), reflects on the challenges and quiet successes of peacebuilding, emphasizing the importance of community-led initiatives, the inclusion of women and youth, and trust-building across Kosovo's divided society.

Violet Nasambu-Lusala: Inclusion is not just a strategy, it's a responsibility

UNISFA's former Police Commissioner, Violet Nasambu-Lusala from Kenya, who was one of the first senior-level women to serve in the peacekeeping mission, sheds light on the vital role of community engagement in her people-centered policing model.

Lesego Chombo: My youth is my superpower

In this Expert Take, we talk to Botswana's Honourable Minister for Youth and Gender Affairs Lesego Chombo. As one of Africa's youngest-ever cabinet ministers at 26, her journey showcases the immense potential within younger generations and demonstrates how youth can drive significant political change.

Atul Khare: Peace and democracy can prevail

"In the aftermath of a deep crisis," says Atul Khare, a UN veteran, "peace and democracy can prevail as long as there is a strong and courageous local leadership, international solidarity… and a Security Council who is willing to act with unity and resolve."

Zainab Gbla: To foster peace and protect the vulnerable

Chief Superintendent Zainab Mbalu Gbla, a Sierra Leonean UN Police Officer who serves in the UN Interim Security Force for Abyei, earned the 2024 UN Woman Police Officer of the Year award for her unwavering commitment to making a difference in this decades-long conflict zone.

John Brandolino: Making our digital and physical worlds safer

As technology advances, so do the sophisticated threats that jeopardize our digital safety. John Brandolino, the Director for the Division for Treaty Affairs at the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, explains why the new international UN Cybercrime Convention is vital for global peace and security.

Ayefoumi Agnon: Security isn't just about police presence

From serving in Togo's police to advising the UN in the Central African Republic and Haiti, Ayefoumi Agnon has a deep commitment to justice and protection. Her work shows that trust, dignity, and compassion can transform security for the most vulnerable.