The following is a transcript of Ferrer’s speech:

After the Cold War, there has been a preponderance of intrastate or domestic conflicts, most of which stem from the structuring of the very nation-state itself. The right to self-determination often becomes paramount on the agenda.

In the 1990s, many successful peace negotiations occurred, but in the 21st century, the number of comprehensive agreements and their sustainability has significantly declined. In Asia, notable examples include Aceh in Indonesia in 2004 and Nepal in 2006. However, there was a long gap before the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro in 2014. Other cases, such as Sudan, unraveled quickly after initial successes, as seen with the challenges faced by South Sudan following its independence. The 2016 peace agreement in Colombia stands out as another example, but overall, there are very few sustained agreements. Implementing peace agreements is often more difficult than reaching an agreement itself, which highlights the ongoing challenges in global peacebuilding.

A significant trend in contemporary diplomacy is the emergence of multiple actors engaged in mediation. While the United Nations remains central, its stature in directly mediating conflicts has evolved, with states and even non-state actors increasingly taking on these roles. These new actors, often more familiar with or connected to conflict parties, are vital to back-channeling and shuttle diplomacy, particularly in long-term conflicts. This diversification of mediators is a positive development, even though the process remains fraught with challenges.

Women mediators bring a transformative dynamic to negotiation processes. While their presence sometimes softens counterparts who feel obliged to act gentlemanly, negotiations often turn equally challenging when addressing substantive issues. Female mediators demonstrate that conflict resolution is not a male-dominated endeavor. Their involvement highlights that men and women have equal stakes in the issues and capabilities in mediation. Normalizing the presence of women in peacebuilding shifts perceptions and underscores the essential role they play in solving complex problems.

The reliance on international law is a cornerstone for resolving territorial and sovereignty disputes. For example, upholding international rulings and respecting global norms provides a foundation for asserting sovereign rights. The importance of adhering to international law is underscored by the role it plays in ensuring mutual respect for sovereign claims, enabling potential cooperation in environmental protection and economic activities.

Addressing the intersections of peacebuilding, climate change, and global partnerships requires collective commitment and shared responsibility. These interconnected challenges cannot be addressed through state-centric solutions alone. Broader collaboration between states, non-state actors, and institutions is essential to creating a sustainable and peaceful future.

Professor Miriam Coronel Ferrer

Miriam Coronel Ferrer is a Filipino peace negotiator, academic, and advocate for sustainable peace and human rights. She chaired the Philippine government’s peace panel during President Benigno Aquino III’s administration and became the first woman in the world to sign a final peace accord as a chief negotiator with a rebel group. Her leadership was instrumental in the 2014 Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. In addition to her groundbreaking role in peacebuilding, Coronel Ferrer is a professor of political science at the University of the Philippines, where she has contributed extensively to research and education on democratization, civil society, and conflict resolution. She was a founding co-chair of the Non-State Actors Working Group of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines and co-led the drafting of the Philippine National Action Plan on UN Security Council Resolution 1325, focusing on women, peace, and security. Her contributions have been recognized internationally with awards such as the Ramon Magsaysay Award and the Hillary Rodham Clinton Award for Advancing Women in Peace and Security.

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