On October 6 2026, NGO Democracy Today hosted a discussion at the Grand Hotel Yerevan dedicated to the development of the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda over the past 26 years and the achievements of Armenia’s Third National Action Plan on WPS. The event also presented the work of the Centre of Excellence on Women, Peace and Security, established with the support of the Government of the United Kingdom through the BREN Programme.
The discussion was opened by Mrs Karine Sujayan, Head of the Department of International Organisations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary. She presented the achievements of the State Commission on Women, Peace and Security during the period approaching the first anniversary of the adoption of Armenia’s Third National Action Plan on WPS (2025–2027).
Mrs Gulnara Shahinian, Chair of Democracy Today, reflected on the evolution of the Women, Peace and Security agenda over the past 26 years, highlighting its growing importance in advancing gender equality, strengthening women’s meaningful participation in peace and security processes, and promoting a broader understanding of human security.
Ms Yeva Movsesyan, Project Manager, presented the activities and achievements of the Centre of Excellence on Women, Peace and Security since its establishment. These include the publication of three thematic bulletins, approximately five sessions held in communities, two round-table discussions, and the development of a dedicated website providing accessible information and resources for professionals and organisations working in the WPS field.
The event brought together members of the State Commission on Women, Peace and Security and representatives of the diplomatic community, including the Embassies of the United Kingdom, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and Syria.
Participants raised questions and exchanged views on the implementation of the WPS agenda, the progress achieved in Armenia, and opportunities to strengthen cooperation among state institutions, civil society and international partners.
The discussion reaffirmed the importance of sustained dialogue, knowledge-sharing and cooperation in translating WPS commitments into practical action. The Centre of Excellence will continue to support these efforts by providing a platform for information, professional exchange and collaboration to advance gender equality, inclusive security and sustainable peace in Armenia.
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