Cambridge, Massachusetts – October 2025

It was an inspiring moment to engage with the next generation of changemakers at the Carr Center for Human Rights and the Center for International Development (CID) at Harvard Kennedy School, in a seminar exploring “Understanding the Multilateral System in Maintaining Peace and Security.”

The discussion centered on the evolution of the multilateral system, the adoption and legacy of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 (UNSCR 1325), and how emerging contexts present new opportunities, and new responsibilities for leadership and accountability.

The Legacy of UNSCR 1325: From Words to Implementation

Nearly twenty-five years after the adoption of UNSCR 1325, the call to place women at the center of peace and security remains as urgent as ever. This resolution was not just a historic milestone; it was a promise , a recognition that sustainable peace is impossible without women’s leadership, participation, and protection.

As I shared with the students, the global community has made strides: women are increasingly mediators, peacekeepers, and negotiators. Yet, progress must be matched with accountability. The true test of UNSCR 1325 lies not in its commemoration, but in its implementation across institutions, policies, and communities.

Engaging the Next Generation: Building on the Legacy

At Harvard, I was deeply moved by the curiosity, passion, and vision of the young leaders I met — students determined to bridge global policy with local realities. These conversations reminded me that the sustainability of peace depends on continuity between generations.

Empowering young people, particularly young women, to champion peace, justice, and equality is not charity; it is strategy. It ensures that the multilateral system evolves with relevance, innovation, and moral depth.

“Each generation must not only inherit institutions but reimagine them. The next generation must lead with courage, empathy, and integrity — the true foundations of peace.”

From Knowledge to Impact

The Carr Center for Human Rights plays a vital role in shaping this mindset, serving as a bridge between scholarship and action. Through research, dialogue, and mentorship, it helps prepare global citizens who will drive forward the principles of the United Nations Charter and the African Union’s vision for “The Africa We Want.”

This engagement was not just a moment of reflection, it was a reaffirmation that my own Legacy Agenda continues through these students and future leaders, who will carry forward the work of peace, equality, and human dignity in new and transformative ways.

Looking Ahead

As the global landscape grows more complex,  from conflict to climate to digital transformation,  our shared challenge is to keep humanity at the center of every solution.
Women, youth, and communities at the margins must not be afterthoughts in policy; they must be architects of the future.

In that spirit, I remain committed to advancing intergenerational dialogue, inclusive governance, and accountable leadership across all spheres of peace and security.

Because ultimately, empowering the next generation to champion peace, justice, and equality remains our most meaningful investment.