Yogyakarta, Indonesia – In line with efforts to institutionalize the Women, Peace, and Security agenda (WPS) in learning institutions, the Mindanao State University-Maguindanao, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and British Embassy Manila spearheaded the International Learning Exchange on Women, Peace, and Security in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. This initiative supported MSU-Maguindanao and the Philippine Center for Islam and Democracy’s (PCID) pioneering initiative in offering a Diploma in Women, Peace, and Security.

A key milestone during the learning exchange was the signing Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) between MSU-Maguindanao and three Indonesian universities, namely, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (UMY), and Universitas Ahmad Dahlan (UAD). These agreements aim to strengthen its research, teaching and community engagement collaborations aimed at advancing the WPS agenda in Southeast Asia.

In a message from MSU-Maguindanao Chancellor Dr. Bai Hejira Nefertiti M. Limbona, delivered by Dr. Arceli B. Naraga, Vice Chancellor for Planning and Development and a faculty member of the Diploma in WPS program, she emphasized the transformative potential of the exchange: “Learning exchanges like this are not only about understanding organizations and institutions and their efforts, but also about how they become spaces for all of us to re-interpret social realities into new perspectives; re-examine our approaches to Women, Peace and Security; re-imagine what inclusive peacebuilding can look like; re-frame challenges as opportunities for innovation. These exchanges spark the curiosity that drives meaningful research and action—exactly what we need to not only mainstream the WPS agenda, but to truly transform the challenging situations facing our women, communities, and families.”

Nazra Abdi of the British Embassy Manila emphasised the UK’s commitment to support pioneering efforts in advancing the WPS agenda. “The UK recognises the profound impact of women in peacebuilding, and this initiative underscores our ongoing support to institutionalising WPS across governance, civil society and education in Southeast Asia.”

Edwine Carrie, UNDP Philippines Deputy Resident Representative, emphasized the importance of cross-border collaboration and education in advancing the WPS agenda: “This exchange demonstrates the power of education and partnership in transforming peacebuilding from policy into practice. By bringing together academic institutions and peace champions across the region, we are not only strengthening institutional capacities but also creating lasting networks that place women’s leadership at the center of inclusive governance and sustainable peace.”

The learning exchange also served as a platform for participants to share best practices and community-driven approaches in advancing gender-responsive peacebuilding and inclusive governance. Throughout the activity, the delegates engaged in interactive dialogues, institutional visits, and policy discussions centered on promoting women’s leadership in peace and security initiatives.

The MSU-Maguindanao delegation was accompanied by representatives from the UNDP Philippines, UK Government, Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity – Center for Excellence on Women, Peace, and Security (OPAPRU-WPS COE), the Philippine Center for Islam and Democracy (PCID), the Bangsamoro Women Commission (BWC), the Ministry of Public Order and Safety (MPOS), and the Development Academy of the Bangsamoro (DAB), as well as several students enrolled in the Diploma in Women, Peace, and Security program.

The learning exchange was made possible through the collaboration between MSU-Maguindanao, the Center for Peace and Security Studies of UGM, UNDP Philippines, and the British Embassy Manila, with technical guidance from Dr. Arifah Rahmawati, Senior Researcher at UGM and member of the ASEAN Women Peace Registry, and PCID President and MSU Regent Amina Rasul.

The activity is part of the Diploma in Women, Peace, and Security, a specialized learning program which aims to strengthen the leadership and technical capacities of peacebuilders, particularly women, in conflict-affected areas. It also contributes to the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1325, the Philippine National Action Plan on WPS, and the BARMM Regional Action Plan on WPS. [END]