The United Kingdom, through its Indo-Pacific Governance Fund and in partnership with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), is supporting academic collaboration between Mindanao State University (MSU) – Maguindanao and Indonesian universities to advance the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda across Southeast Asia. A Philippine delegation recently participated in a four-day international learning exchange in Yogyakarta, featuring panel discussions and immersive activities that fostered regional dialogue and co-developed WPS strategies informed by the Philippine and Indonesian experiences. MSU – Maguindanao Chancellor Dr. Bai Hejira Nefertiti Limbona noted that these learning exchanges spark meaningful research and action to transform challenging situations facing women, communities, and families. The program concluded with the signing of Memoranda of Understanding between MSU — Maguindanao and three Indonesian universities, aiming to strengthen cooperation on gender education, research, and community engagement. This initiative builds upon the success of MSU – Maguindanao’s Diploma Course on WPS and will contribute to the development of new teaching modules, collaborative research, and regional coordination on shared peace and gender challenges. The UK recognizes the profound impact of women in peacebuilding and is committed to supporting pioneering efforts in advancing the WPS agenda, underscoring its long-term support for gender-responsive peacebuilding across Southeast Asia as the region prepares to mark the 25th anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 and the Philippines looks ahead to its ASEAN Chairpersonship in 2026.
