Last Friday, March 10th was the final day of the IADC’s Women, Peace and Security workshop. Our last panel, ‘Planning Beyond the Present – What’s next for WPS in LatAm?’ moderated by our Gender Advisor, started with a comprehensive overview of WPS implementation in Latin America by Ms Ana Velasco Ugalde, followed by country perspectives from Colombia, Costa Rica and Mexico by Dr Diana Sanchez, Ms Zoila Volio and LtCol Cathy Salas respectively. They described the positive impact of the WPS framework as an analytical tool to discover the security challenges we face today and opportunities for addressing them in the future.

Dr Vanessa Brown summarized her key takeaways from the working groups’ in-depth discernment and conclusions following all five panels, and MG James Taylor provided closing remarks underscoring the importance of implementing WPS at the strategic, operational and tactical levels. It’s safe to say, the workshop exceeded all expectations in building a solid foundation for an enduring community of practice.

In closing, we share a quote from one of our panelists who spoke to WPS implementation for Integrated Deterrence at the event: “Successful operations in a contested environment require maximum cooperation, understanding, and trust before conflict starts. Working alongside our allies and partners, we can more effectively achieve our mutual security objectives by harnessing all of our available talent. Through active recruitment, deliberate retention, and continuing to remove potential barriers, we will select the best person for a role or assignment which ultimately helps deter adversaries and increase war-fighting effectiveness of our combined forces.” Major General Julian Cheater.

Organization of American States (OAS)
Organización de los Estados Americanos (OEA)
U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM)
National Defense University 
Marine Corps University
Naval War College (NDU)

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https://www.flickr.com/photos/iadc/albums/72177720306578885