Women at the Peace Table: a conversation with UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese

On 20 November 2025, the European Political and Governance Studies Department of the College of Europe commemorated the 25th anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security with a special event held at our Bruges campus.

The session opened with introductory remarks by Academic Assistants Luís MATOS and Sara Maria BARBAGLIA, who framed the significance of Resolution 1325 in shaping international approaches to peacebuilding, conflict prevention, and women’s participation in security policy. They were followed by Mathilde DELPA, Co-President of our Student Association for Gender Equality (SAGE), who introduced our keynote speaker, Francesca ALBANESE, UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories.

Drawing on her extensive experience documenting human rights violations and navigating complex political contexts, Ms Albanese reflected on the current situation in Gaza, the gendered dimensions of conflict, and the specific challenges she encounters as a woman working in international human rights advocacy in contexts of conflict and post-war recovery.

The keynote was followed by a dynamic Q&A session, during which students engaged enthusiastically with topics ranging from accountability mechanisms and international humanitarian law to the evolving role of women in peace processes. The depth and breadth of the discussion, followed by a standing ovation from our students, highlighted the strong interest of our community in global justice, gender equality, and conflict resolution.

This event was also held in honour of the late Victoria Amelina – Ukrainian writer, human rights defender, and Patron of the Victoria Amelina Promotion – whose life and work continue to inspire our commitment to truth, justice, and the pursuit of peace!

Photos of the Event