BY LINDELWA MYENI
MABABANE– Eswatini’s hosting of a two-week Gender Mainstreaming Course in Peace Support Operations is strengthening SADC’s capacity to enhance regional peace and security through skills development, knowledge sharing and cooperation.
Lieutenant General Mfanwenkhosi Khumalo, Chief of Staff of the Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (UEDF), said the course provides an important regional platform for strengthening peace support capabilities and advancing the implementation of the SADC Peace and Security Architecture.
Khumalo was speaking during the official opening of the course at Mountain View, where he said the hosting of the programme by the Government of Eswatini created an opportunity to build peace, unity and cooperation among countries in the region.
He said the course reflects the importance SADC places on capacity building, regional development and collective regional efforts in strengthening peace and security.
According to Khumalo, the programme goes beyond training by allowing participants to share experiences, learn from one another and explore approaches that can improve the effectiveness of peace support operations
Over the next two weeks, participants will engage in discussions, practical exercises, case studies and collaborative learning activities focused on gender mainstreaming in peace support operations.
Khumalo encouraged participants to approach the course with dedication, professionalism, curiosity and an open mind, while making full use of the expertise of the facilitators and the experiences brought by fellow participants.
He said the exchange of knowledge and experiences was among the most valuable outcomes of programmes of this nature.
Khumalo urged participants to apply the knowledge and skills gained during the course within their respective organisations and countries
“The knowledge acquired here should not remain within these walls, but should be applied to strengthen institutions, inform policies, improve operational effectiveness and positively impact the communities you serve,” he said.
He said the success of the course would ultimately be measured by participants’ ability to translate what they learn into meaningful action that strengthens peace support operations.
Khumalo further said initiatives such as the course contribute to stronger regional cooperation, enhanced operational readiness and sustainable peace across Southern Africa.
He expressed appreciation to SADC, the Regional Peacekeeping Training Centre (RPCC), participating partners and SADC member states for their support and commitment to capacity building in peace, security and gender mainstreaming.
Khumalo also commended the facilitators for their expertise and commitment towards developing the next generation of peace support practitioners.
He officially declared the Gender Mainstreaming Course in Peace Support Operations open.
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(Courtesy Pic)
