U.S. Naval War College Welcomes Global Leaders to 11th Women, Peace, and Security Symposium

The recent symposium themed “Rethinking Global Security in a Complex World” placed a spotlight on the vital role of gender perspectives in national and international security frameworks. The event, hosted by the Naval War College (NWC), drew over 1,300 participants both in-person and virtually, including military and government leaders, academics, and NGO representatives from nearly 50 countries.

Rear Admiral Darryl Walker, NWC President, emphasized the indispensable insights that servicewomen contribute to global security, highlighting their role as a force multiplier in increasingly complex environments. The forum underscored the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) framework as crucial to effective military operations and global cooperation.

Prominent speakers included Kosovo’s President Vjosa Osmani-Sadriu, who underscored Kosovo’s dedication to the WPS agenda. Her address focused on how their historical struggles have propelled them towards championing women’s roles in peace, equality, and stability. U.S. Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro echoed these sentiments, urging for the inclusion of women in armed forces to amplify combat effectiveness.

Valerie Hudson, Ph.D., and Ambassador Bonnie Jenkins highlighted the importance of women’s inclusion in decision-making processes for national security. Hudson stressed that national security is closely tied to the security of women, while Jenkins pointed to the WPS agenda as integral for advancing strategic competition through inclusive partnerships.

U.N. Under Secretary Christian Saunders presented data illustrating a rise in sexual violence in conflict scenarios, urging meaningful change beyond tokenistic gestures. Leaders were called upon to deeply integrate women’s perspectives into peace and security initiatives to combat enduring patriarchal structures.

The symposium featured 10 panel discussions and six keynote speeches. Topics ranged from maritime and cybersecurity to gender perspectives in leadership and human rights, providing participants with a comprehensive view of current security challenges.

NWC has a longstanding commitment to integrating the WPS agenda into its educational and research mission. Information and insights gathered from the symposium will inform NWC’s course, Perspectives on Modern War, and be disseminated to students, faculty, and policy makers, both domestically and internationally.

As the earliest adopter of comprehensive WPS legislation, the U.S. continues its pledge to bolster women’s roles across all aspects of peacebuilding, backed by the historic U.N. Security Council Resolution 1325. Looking ahead, the NWC remains a key player in professional military education and advocacy, aiming to nurture a well-integrated security landscape that benefits from the full potential of both women and men.

Founded in 1884, the NWC stands as the world’s oldest institution of its kind, dedicated to educating leaders and advancing naval power for peace preservation and decisive wartime success.