Gen-Forum 2025-2026: Asia-Pacific Virtual Leadership and Learning Series
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About I Objectives I Sessions I Resources I Stories
About
The Gen-Forum 2025–2026: Asia-Pacific Virtual Leadership and Learning Series is enabling young leaders to contribute to advancing peace and stability in Asia and the Pacific by driving implementation of the Women Peace and Security (WPS) agenda, and promoting women’s leadership and equality in decision-making.
As the next phase of UN Women’s Gen-Forum initiative, the series leverages the outcomes of Gen-Forum 2024. By building knowledge and skills, deepening leadership capacity, and centering intersectionality and inclusion, UN Women seeks to help unlock the potential of youth, especially young women, to contribute to a growing regional movement for inclusive, gender-responsive peace and security.
The series comprises six interactive, online learning sessions taking place between November 2025 and April 2026. The sessions combine foundational learning on WPS and women’s leadership and decision-making, with thematic discussions on such issues as climate change, digital security, intersectionality and safeguarding civic space. The sessions will also include practical skills labs to equip young leaders with the tools to engage, influence and build movements in support of peace and stability.
The 29 new participants, aged 18 to 35, include indigenous women, persons with disabilities and LGBTIQ+ persons. They are joined by more than 10 alumni from the Gen-Forum 2024 event who are taking active roles as facilitators and mentors, fostering peer exchange and continuity. Altogether, 20 countries in the region are represented.
The event series is organized by the UN Women Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific in partnership with the Government of Australia under the Regional Framework Towards Peaceful, Inclusive Societies: Advancing the Women, Peace and Security Agenda and Inclusive Governance in the Asia-Pacific Region (2023-2027). UN Women thanks the Government of Australia for its support.
Objectives
The main objectives of the Gen-Forum 2025-2026 series are to:
- Build a stronger and more connected regional youth network on WPS in Asia and the Pacific;
- Enhance leadership, advocacy and communication skills among participants; and
- Increase the participants’ knowledge of WPS and women’s leadership and decision-making, particularly in relation to emerging regional trends and challenges.
The series will also produce updated strategic tools, including a revised Strategic Outcome Document from Gen-Forum 2024 and a youth-led investment case to support advocacy and resource mobilization.
Sessions
The series is designed for high engagement and inclusion, and features breakout discussions, storytelling, case studies and regional peer exchange. The virtual format will expand accessibility and inclusivity, enabling young leaders from diverse contexts – including urban, rural and conflict-affected areas – to participate, connect and collaborate. This format represents a shift from a one-off, conference-style convening to a youth- and community-driven process for continuous learning and collaboration over a six-month period.
The series comprises:
- Six Virtual Gen-Labs (November–April)
Each 2.5-hour interactive online session will centre on either foundational learning, thematic exploration or skills development. - Special Event: “Power Rewired – Accelerating Women’s Leadership”
A high-level virtual dialogue connecting youth leaders, experts and policymakers to reflect on CEDAW General Recommendation No. 40 and Beijing+30 commitments, emphasizing full and equal decision-making and feminist leadership. - Outcome and Investment Co-Creation Space
A culminating virtual meeting where participants collaboratively update the 2024 Strategic Outcome Document and develop a Youth-Led Investment Case, articulating the value of women’s and youth leadership in peace, governance and stability.
Beyond knowledge exchange, Gen-Forum 2025–2026 emphasizes applied leadership and advocacy. The participants will receive tailored coaching to refine their messaging, strengthen communication and engage effectively with governments, civil society and communities.
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