The Southeast Asian Women Ambassadors’ Forum on Peace, held on July 27-28, 2024, in Vientiane, Lao PDR, was the first of its kind and organised by SEAWPM in collaboration with the ASEAN Institute for Peace and Reconciliation (ASEAN-IPR) and sponsored by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. This event aimed to support ASEAN’s Regional Plan of Action on Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) and foster cross-border collaboration among women diplomats for peacebuilding in the region.
Bringing together over 40 participants from ten countries, the forum provided a platform for women ambassadors to enhance their diplomatic roles, share best practices, and advance sustainable peace efforts. The event is set to become an annual occurrence during the ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting, and is aligned with ongoing peace and security initiatives.
The event opened with a significant conversation with Foreign Ministers H.E. Retno L.P. Marsudi of Indonesia and H.E. Penny Wong of Australia. Discussions centred on the role of diplomacy in fostering peace across Southeast Asia, emphasising the need for adapting strategies to meet the region’s unique challenges. Participants highlighted the importance of including women in formal mediation roles, advocating for transformative leadership that values diverse perspectives.
The forum also stressed the importance of intergenerational mentorship and local grassroots women’s contributions to peacebuilding. The challenges posed by the selective application of international law were noted, along with the need to ground peace efforts in the cultural contexts of affected regions.
Participants discussed ASEAN’s role in diplomacy, calling for a more proactive stance in shaping regional agendas. The increasing impact of digitalization on diplomacy and the importance of adaptability and cultural sensitivity in mediation were highlighted as key challenges for future peace efforts.
The forum facilitated the exchange of ideas on preventive diplomacy and conflict resolution, encouraging collaborative strategies for peacebuilding in the region. Participants reflected on the unique challenges faced by their countries and shared best practices for effective mediation.
One participant shared how “It is essential to actively listen and respect varying perspectives, particularly regarding human rights, which can differ significantly between ASEAN values and Western definitions. Building trust is fundamental to the mediation process, ensuring that participants are open and responsive to the dynamics at play. Sharing and learning from each other’s experiences, while respecting unique contexts, is crucial.”
Looking ahead, the forum outlined action plans to enhance the role of women in peace efforts, including creating platforms for sharing experiences, linking initiatives to regional policies, and promoting more inclusive mediation processes. SEAWPM’S research in preparation for the forum revealed that women’s involvement in mediation and negotiation across Southeast Asia remains underutilized, despite the presence of over 115 Southeast Asian women ambassadors serving across the world. Taking this into account, participants proposed specific country-based actions, reviewed existing peace mechanisms, and emphasised the need for digital tools in promoting the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda. The forum also called for increased visibility and institutionalisation of its initiatives within ASEAN.
We are grateful for the support of our partners and all participants in making this event a success. We are committed to amplifying women’s roles in peace efforts, promoting more inclusive mediation practices, and elevating our collective impact across the region!
