The global spotlight on women’s role in peace and security firmly shifted to Windhoek, Namibia, the symbolic birthplace of the landmark United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 (UNSCR 1325). The two-day high-level commemoration, "25 Years of 1325: Honouring the Legacy, Advancing the WPS Agenda," concluded as a critical inflection point, with the African Union Commission’s Special Envoy on Women, Peace and Security, H.E. Ambassador Liberata Mulamula, leading the continent’s strategic call for action.
Ambassador Mulamula, accompanied by her delegation, was at the forefront of the event co-hosted by the Republic of Namibia, the African Union, SADC, and the International Women’s Peace Centre. The commemoration was graced by H.E. Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, President of the Republic of Namibia, and featured an unprecedented gathering of African women leaders, including Former Heads of State H.E. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, H.E. Sahle-Work Zewde, and H.E. Catherine Samba-Panza.
Honouring the Past, Demanding the Future
In her address, Ambassador Mulamula reaffirmed the AU’s unwavering commitment to the WPS agenda, celebrating Namibia’s pioneering role and Africa’s tangible progress, including 37 National Action Plans and established networks like the African Women Leaders Network.
However, the Ambassador was candid about persistent challenges. During the Civil Society Continental Forum, she issued a fierce challenge: “We cannot celebrate 25 years of UNSCR 1325 while watching women remain disproportionately targeted by conflict and systematically excluded from peace tables. The time for symbolic inclusion is over; we must enforce accountability.”
The Windhoek+25 Call to Action
The conference culminated in the adoption of the Windhoek+25 Declaration, a bold “Call to Action” for the next quarter-century. The Declaration urges Member States and partners to:
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Renew the spirit of the WPS Agenda and transform its legacy into practical action.
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Empower young women and men to ensure intergenerational collaboration and sustainable peace.
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Strengthen women’s leadership across all sectors—mediation, security, and policymaking.
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Expand Africa’s leadership in addressing emerging challenges like climate change, technology, and displacement.
These priorities were reinforced by a Continental Call to Action focused on three non-negotiable pillars: Amplify women’s voices; Invest in women’s leadership; and Strengthen institutional accountability.
Connecting African Action to Global Policy
Ambassador Mulamula’s participation strategically bridged grassroots activism with global security architecture. She moderated the high-level panel “From Legacy to Leverage: African Leadership and the Future of Women, Peace and Security,” setting the tone for implementation.
Referring to the recent Joint High-Level AUPSC–UNSC–EU PSC Session on WPS, the Ambassador stated: “These joint sessions are about forging strategic coherence and global solidarity. They send a powerful, unified signal that, from Addis Ababa to New York and Brussels, we stand together against any attempt to roll back women's rights in conflict settings. We are using the 25th anniversary not for reflection alone, but for a global renewal of action.”
In a powerful demonstration of this commitment, the e-book "SHE Stands for Peace: 25 Stories in Celebration of 25 Years of UNSCR 1325" was officially launched. Supported by the AUC and the UNOAU, the publication honours the enduring impact of African women in peace and security.
A Transition Focused on Transformation
The closing session featured tributes to the outgoing AU Special Envoy, Ms. Bineta Diop, for her transformative leadership and a warm welcome to the newly appointed Envoy, signaling a transition rooted in continuity and deep political experience.
From Windhoek to World Stage—The Era of Accountability
The Windhoek+25 Commemoration was more than a celebration; it was a defining moment for the African continent to assert its global leadership in peace and security. The legacy of 1325 is now securely anchored in the necessity of action, accountability, and intergenerational solidarity.
As the Silver Anniversary concludes in the birthplace of the resolution, the message delivered by Ambassador Mulamula is clear: the next 25 years must be defined by transformative leadership—ensuring that peace is truly inclusive, just, and lasting across every community in Africa.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Mr. Daniel Massamba Meboya| Communication Officer | Office of the Special Envoy on Women, Peace and Security | Mobile: +251 963 2929 39 | Email: MassambaD@africanunion.org |
Mr. Gamal Eldin Ahmed A. Karrar | Senior Communication Officer | Information and Communication Directorate (ICD), African Union Commission | E-mail: GamalK@africanunion.org
