The Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre has once again reinforced its position as a leading hub for peacekeeping training and gender integration, hosting the opening of the Reinforcement Training Package for Military Gender Advisors in Accra.

The course, which commenced on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, brought together military personnel and stakeholders to strengthen their capacity to integrate gender perspectives into peace operations.

It is being organised by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research in collaboration with the Ghana Armed Forces, with support from the Canadian Department of National Defence through its military training and cooperation programme.

Delivering remarks on behalf of Ms Claudia Croce, Brigadier General Zibrim Bawah Ayorrogo, Deputy Commandant of KAIPTC, underscored the importance of the initiative in advancing both gender equality and global peace operations.

He described the training as a significant milestone in collective efforts to promote inclusive and effective peacekeeping, noting that it reflects a shared commitment among international partners to strengthen the Women, Peace and Security agenda.

According to him, the programme is being delivered through strong collaboration between UNITAR, KAIPTC and the Ghana Armed Forces, with additional support from the Global Affairs Canada, highlighting the importance of sustained international partnerships in achieving long-term impact.

Brigadier General Ayorrogo expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Defence of Ghana, the Ghana Armed Forces and KAIPTC for their continued commitment to hosting and supporting the training.

He commended their efforts to integrate gender perspectives into military structures, describing this as evidence of “true leadership and a forward-looking vision for modern, inclusive and effective peacekeeping”.

The Deputy Commandant also extended gratitude to the Government of Ghana and Canada for their long-standing partnership and trust in advancing the initiative.

He highlighted Canada’s contribution to programmes such as the Elsie Initiative, which aims to increase the meaningful participation of women in peace operations globally.

“Canada’s unwavering commitment to the Women, Peace and Security Agenda and its advocacy for inclusive operations have been essential in making this initiative possible,” he noted.

The Elsie Initiative, in particular, has been instrumental in supporting gender mainstreaming efforts within partner countries, including Ghana, and continues to serve as a key framework for strengthening the role of women in peacekeeping missions.

Brigadier General Ayorrogo also referenced the importance of earlier phases of the initiative, acknowledging the foundation laid through previous training programmes in which he himself participated.

These efforts, he said, have contributed significantly to building institutional capacity and enhancing the understanding of gender roles in military operations.

The current course, formally titled the Reinforcement Training Package for Military Gender Advisors, is designed to equip participants with the knowledge and practical skills required to address gender-related challenges in conflict and post-conflict environments.

It also seeks to ensure that military personnel are better prepared to incorporate gender considerations into planning, operations and leadership decision-making, ultimately improving the effectiveness of peacekeeping missions.