Through its Indo-Pacific Governance Fund and in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the UK 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 including representatives from MSU – Maguindanao, Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity – Centre for Excellence on WPS, the Philippine Centre for Islam and Democracy (PCID), the Bangsamoro Women Commission, the Ministry of Public Order and Safety, and the Development Academy of the Bangsamoro recently participated in a four-day international learning exchange in Yogyakarta. The programme featured 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 M. Limbona said:

These learning exchanges spark the curiosity that drives meaningful research and action – exactly what we need to not only mainstream the WPS agenda, but to truly transform the challenging situations facing our women, communities and families.

The exchange concluded with the signing of Memoranda of Understanding between MSU – Maguindanao and three Indonesian universities: Gadjah Mada University, Muhammadiyah University of Yogyakarta and Ahmad Dahlan University. The MOU aims to strengthen cooperation on gender education, research, and community engagement.

Prof. Dr. Wening Udasmoro of Universitas Gadjah Mada stated:

The purpose of this MOU is to establish a partnership between our universities – based on the principles of mutual equality and reciprocal benefit. We have many similarities in our diversity and there are several areas we can work on together.

This initiative builds upon the success of MSU – Maguindanao’s Diploma Course on WPS, the first of its kind in Asia. This was launched in 2024 with support from the British Embassy Manila, UNDP and PCID.

The partnerships will contribute to the development of new teaching modules, collaborative research, and regional coordination on shared peace and gender challenges, including violent extremism and climate insecurity. 

Nazra Abdi of the British Embassy Manila emphasised the UK’s commitment to support pioneering efforts in advancing the WPS agenda. She stated:

The UK recognises the profound impact of women in peacebuilding, and this initiative underscores our ongoing support to institutionalising WPS across governance, civil society and education in Southeast Asia.

As Southeast Asia prepares to mark the 25th anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 and the Philippines looks ahead to its ASEAN Chairpersonship in 2026, the initiative underscores the UK’s long-term support for gender-responsive peacebuilding across the region.