International Peace Support Training Centre Kenya. Ipstc-KENYA

The two-day workshop on Strengthening Child Protection in Peace Operations: Perspectives from Africa concluded.

Hosted in partnership with the Stimson Center, with support from Global Affairs Canada, the workshop brings together African troop and police contributing countries to examine good practices, lessons, and challenges in implementing the Vancouver Principles aimed at preventing the recruitment and use of child soldiers.

The chief Guest Ms. Lisa Sharland, Senior Fellow and Director of the Protection of Civilians and Human Security Program at the Stimson Center, emphasized the urgent need to strengthen efforts to protect children affected by armed conflict and end grave violations.

Colonel Todd Braithwaite, Defence Attaché of Canada to Kenya, highlighted recent UN data showing a 25% surge in grave violations against children, underscoring the urgency of collective action.

Colonel Emma Ngigi, Commandant of Peace and Conflict Studies, expressed appreciation to the Government of Canada for its continued commitment to protecting children and its longstanding support to IPSTC in strengthening peace operations capacity.

The participants shared experiences and lessons from across Africa, identified priority areas for implementing the Vancouver Principles, discussed challenges and developed actionable recommendations to strengthen child protection in peace operations. The workshop highlighted that protecting children in armed conflict is an urgent and shared responsibility. With practical recommendations and renewed commitment, participants reinforced the role of the Vancouver Principles in shaping more effective and child-sensitive peace operations across Africa.

What does the future of peace and security look like in the age of AI?

We co-hosted the inaugural AI Summit 2026 with AI for Peace Africa at the Humanitarian Peace Support School under the theme, “Advancing Artificial Intelligence for Peace, Governance, and Resilience in Sub-Saharan Africa, the Sahel, and Fragile Conflict-Affected States (FCAS).”

The opening ceremony was graced by GOC CENTCOM, Major General J. Nkoimo, who underscored the growing importance of AI in peace and security and the need for its strategic adoption.

The Chief Guest, AU Senior Advisor on International Partnerships Ambassador Fred Ngoga, emphasized how AI is reshaping warfare and redefining the nature of conflict, calling on Africa to stay ahead of the curve through innovation and preparedness.

The Summit brought together policymakers, security practitioners, peacebuilders, technologists, researchers, civil society, innovators, and investors. One question united us all: 👉 How can we harness AI ethically and inclusively to build a more resilient, peaceful Africa?

Our Director, Maj Gen Mwazighe represented us at the NDM-UN29 “One Humanity” conference at the Geneva International Conference Centre from 22–24 April, joining global leaders in humanitarian mine action.

The forum convened stakeholders from around the world to address emerging threats, exchange innovative solutions, and highlight the vital role of mine action in advancing peace, security, and sustainable development.

Notably, the Centre’s Humanitarian Peace and Security Support (HPSS) framework includes a dedicated mine action and disarmament wing underscoring the strong alignment with our work and ongoing contributions in this space.

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Women's Military Peace Operations Course (WMPOC) has officially come to a close after three impactful weeks 🌍✨

The course brought together 21 participants from 10 countries, all focused on one goal - preparing and empowering women military officers for leadership roles in UN Peace Operations. 💪

The closing ceremony was graced by Finland's Ambassador to Kenya, H E Ambassador Riina-Riika Heikka, who reaffirmed Finland’s commitment to advancing the role of women in peace operations, noting that their leadership is essential to achieving real impact in peace operations.

Our Director, Maj Gen Mwazighe extended appreciation to partners Austria, Finland, the UK, and UN Women for their continued support in advancing the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda, reminding the participants that knowledge is an enduring asset. 📚

Also present, Deputy Head of Mission Austrian Embassy to Kenya, Mr Gunther Zimmer highlighted the critical role of training institutions and the impact of women in peace operations.

Here’s to building a stronger pipeline of women leaders in peace operations!

On 14 April 2026, UN Women Country Representative - Kenya, Antonia N’Gabala - Sodonon, paid a courtesy call to our Director, Maj Gen C L Mwazighe.

The meeting underscored a shared commitment to elevate visibility and strengthen strategic partnerships, setting the stage for impactful collaboration that empowers women as central actors in peace and security processes.

At the core of the discussions was a strong resolve to fast-track the implementation of the Elsie Initiative Fund supported project, an initiative poised to drive tangible change by enhancing capacity, boosting operational effectiveness, and advancing meaningful participation of women in peace support operations. 🚀