Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | The United Nations Office to the African Union (UNOAU) and the Norwegian Embassy in Ethiopia and Permanent Mission to the African Union today marked two significant milestones in their partnership on peace and security in Africa. UNOAU and Norway conducted a ceremonial exchange of the renewed project agreement documents and launched the Third Edition of the She Stands for Peace publication.
The renewed project, valued at NOK 6 million, will be implemented from October 2025 to December 2026. It supports a multi year initiative aimed at strengthening the UN–AU partnership in conflict prevention, mediation, and peace support operations, as well as integrating the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda across all aspects of the partnership. The project’s overall goal is to contribute to a more effective, constructive and continuous UN–AU collaboration in addressing the root causes of conflict and advancing sustainable peace and security in Africa.
The event, held at UNOAU, brought together representatives of the Norwegian Embassy and Permanent Mission to the African Union, the AU Office of the Special Envoy on Women, Peace and Security, and leadership of UNOAU. It also coincided with the twenty fifth anniversary of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325, which established the WPS agenda.
In his remarks, SRSG Parfait Onanga Anyanga highlighted Norway’s long standing support for the UN–AU partnership in peace and security. He noted that peace remains unattainable where violence against women and girls persists, and emphasised that the renewed partnership with Norway strengthens UNOAU’s ability to ensure that African women’s voices, leadership and protection inform the policies and actions that underpin sustainable peace across the continent.
Norway’s Ambassador to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the African Union, H.E. Ambassador Stian Christensen, reaffirmed Norway’s commitment to advancing women’s leadership in peacebuilding. He underlined that the stories featured in the new edition illustrate how women across Africa are driving innovation and leading peace efforts, adding that Norway is proud to support initiatives that highlight these contributions and help create the conditions for women to influence the future of their communities and their continent.
The Third Edition of She Stands for Peace continues the initiative’s mission to document and amplify the lived experiences and leadership of African women in peace processes. Through evidence based storytelling and policy relevant narratives, the publication supports the implementation of UNSCR 1325 across African Union Member States and strengthens advocacy at national, regional and continental levels.
The launch programme included a book reading and an experience sharing session. Ms Saba Gebremedhin Hagos, Director of the Network of Ethiopian Women’s Associations (NEWA), whose organisation is featured in the publication, shared that peacebuilding begins with protection, dignity and the conviction that women must be heard.
The renewed project agreement further reinforces Norway’s investment in African peace and security priorities, including mediation support, conflict prevention, gender responsive peacebuilding and enhanced UN–AU cooperation. UNOAU and Norway reiterated their shared vision of a continent where peace processes are inclusive and reflect the leadership, perspectives and influence of women at all levels.
