The Future of Peace Operations: Insights from Women, Peace & Security, Security Sector Governance, and Protection of Civilians

As discussions on the future of peace operations gain momentum, how can they be designed to be more effective, people-centered, and responsive to today’s complex challenges? Drawing on lessons from Security Sector Governance (SSG), Women, Peace and Security (WPS), and Protection of Civilians (PoC), the discussion will highlight how peace operations can support accountable, inclusive security institutions, protect civilians, and advance gender equality. 

The success of any peace operation depends on strengthening the institutions that keep communities safe. Strong, accountable, and inclusive security sectors help build trust in the state and prevent a return to conflict. Protecting civilians from violence is a core responsibility of peace operations, but lasting safety requires legitimate local authorities able to assume responsibility over time. Promoting gender equality improves mission effectiveness and ensures the perspectives of all people are considered in peacebuilding. Together, security, protection, and gender equality are essential for peace operations to make a lasting difference.

The independent study on The Future of Peacekeeping, New Models, and Related Capabilities highlights PoC and SSG among 30 models, stressing that all must be gender-responsive and advance the WPS agenda. As peace operations evolve, protection, gender, and security sector strategies must also be reimagined, prompting critical questions about mandates, capabilities, and accountability for outcomes.

The panel will reflect on real-world experiences to explore what works, what doesn’t, and how these lessons can inform the next generation of UN peace operations.