The Foundation for Security and Development in Africa (FOSDA), represented by its WPS Project Coordinator, Ms. Dorothy Barnes, participated in the African Union 6th High-Level Africa Forum on Women, Peace and Security (WPS), held from 9–10 December 2025 at the International Diplomatic Academy in Tunis, Tunisia. The Forum commemorated the 25th anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 1325, bringing together senior African leaders, diplomats, development partners, and civil society actors to reflect on progress and define priorities for the next decade of WPS implementation.

Ms. Barnes engaged in plenary and thematic sessions addressing emerging security threats, women’s participation in peace support operations, civil society leadership in localizing the WPS agenda, intergenerational leadership, and the use of AI and media innovation for peacebuilding among others. Discussions underscored the need to strengthen gender-responsive prevention, protection, and resilience, while advancing women’s leadership and agency in peace and security governance across Africa.

Overall, the Forum served as a platform to showcase Africa’s achievements over 25 years of WPS implementation, examine emerging challenges, and shape strategic priorities for the future.