Each year Australian Government and civil society come together to discuss the implementation of Australia’s National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security (WPS). This is an opportunity to bring together government (both implementing and non-implementing agencies under the NAP) and civil society organisations. Objectives of the Government-Civil Society dialogue: To support and enhance the implementation of Australia’s National Action Plan (NAP) on Women, Peace and Security To explore key areas that intersect and are relevant to the WPS agenda (in February 2025 these focus areas will be climate action and cyber security) To strengthen the relationship between and amongst civil society and government agencies in the WPS space, enhancing transparency, coordination and accountability on NAP implementation. Speaker to be advised. Patricia Garcia AO, IEP Partnerships Development Manager will be one of the Facilitators for the WPS Dialogue. Note: Participating in this event is by invitation only.

Join the Rotary-IEP Partnership Breakout Session 'Positive Peace in the Middle East: Community solutions to systems change' at the 2025 Rotary Presidential Peace Conference. This session, part of the Rotary-IEP Partnership, will introduce Rotary members to IEP’s Pillars of Positive Peace framework. Participants will explore practical tools to address the underlying causes of conflict in their communities. Building on recent training with the Middle East North Africa Positive Peace Activator cohort, this session will offer new insights and approaches to peacebuilding. By the end of the session, participants will have an understanding of how to apply Positive Peace principles to enhance the impact of their Rotary projects. Speakers: Lea Perekrests – Director of Partnerships, IEP Rebecca Crall – Area of Focus Manager for Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention, Rotary International Summer Lewis – Partnerships Coordinator, Rotary Led by Rotary International President Stephanie Urchick, the 2025 Rotary Presidential Peace Conference in Istanbul, Türkiye, on 20–22 February 2025, will provide an opportunity for the Rotary community and partners to build on Rotary’s contributions to peace by exploring peace in a polarised world, the role of technology and media in peacebuilding, environmental issues in peacebuilding, and strategies for making peace last.

Hosted by the World Trade Organization (WTO), the 4th edition of Trade for Peace Week will take place from 17-21 February 2025. Under the theme “Expanding Horizons: Integrating the Private Sector & Advancing the Trade for Peace Programme,” the event will bring together policymakers, economists, and peacebuilding experts to explore new strategies for strengthening the link between trade and peace. Trade for Peace Publication A key highlight of the week is the High-Level Book Launch on 20 February (11:30-13:00 CET, Room W/Zoom), featuring the release of the inaugural Trade for Peace publication. This landmark publication presents case studies, insights, and lessons from fragile and conflict-affected regions, showcasing how trade can serve as a tool for peace and stability. It also introduces the T4P research database and working paper series, providing a valuable resource hub for policymakers and researchers. The Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) will be represented by Serge Stroobants, Director for Europe and MENA, who will join an esteemed panel to discuss the role of trade in economic resilience and peacebuilding. Speaker Line-up Opening Remarks: Xiangchen Zhang – Deputy Director-General, WTO Patrick Low – Former Chief Economist, WTO Alan W. Wolff – Distinguished Visiting Fellow, Peterson Institute for International Economics Itonde Kakoma – President, Interpeace Franck Bousquet – Deputy Director, Institute for Capacity Development, IMF Barbara Ramos – Chief of Strategies and Policies for Trade and Investment, International Trade Centre Serge Stroobants – Director of Europe and MENA, Institute for Economics and Peace Moderator: Amanda Miashiro – Legal/Economic Affairs Officer, WTO The Trade for Peace Programme highlights the critical role of trade and economic integration in fostering peace and security. By bridging the trade, peace, and humanitarian communities, the initiative seeks to leverage the multilateral trading system to promote stability, particularly in fragile and conflict-affected regions.

Organised in collaboration with the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) and the Libyan Peace Institute, this session will explore how strategic business investments and trade reforms can contribute to sustainable peace and economic resilience in Libya. Libya’s WTO accession process, though currently dormant, presents an opportunity for vital reforms that can support long-term stability. This workshop will highlight the role of private sector-led initiatives in fostering an enabling environment for responsible investment, innovation, and inclusive growth. Through expert insights and interactive discussions, participants will gain practical strategies for leveraging trade and private sector engagement as tools for peacebuilding. Speaker Line-up Opening Remarks: Lamia Fathi Abusedra – Permanent Representative, State of Libya to the UN and other international organisations Serge Stroobants – Director of Europe and MENA, Institute for Economics and Peace Frederik Teufel – Lead Coordinator, Transition States Coordination Office, African Development Bank Haitham Misbah Rajab – Assistant Executive Director for Digital Commerce Affairs, Libya Trade Net Abdalla Hamed – President, Libyan Peace Institute Moderator: Hilda Al-Hinai – Secretary-General, Arab-Swiss Chamber of Commerce and Industry The workshop will take place during the Trade for Peace Week on 20 February 2025. Hosted by the World Trade Organization (WTO), the 4th edition of Trade for Peace Week will take place from 17-21 February 2025. Under the theme “Expanding Horizons: Integrating the Private Sector & Advancing the Trade for Peace Programme”, the event will bring together policymakers, economists, and peacebuilding experts to explore new strategies for strengthening the link between trade and peace. The Trade for Peace Programme highlights the critical role of trade and economic integration in fostering peace and security. By bridging the trade, peace, and humanitarian communities, the initiative seeks to leverage the multilateral trading system to promote stability, particularly in fragile and conflict-affected regions.