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It is well documented that women\u2019s participation in democratic transitions improves the likelihood of peace negotiations arriving at settlements and parties reaching sustainable agreements. While there have been landmark achievements since the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda was established through the UN Security Council Resolution 1325 in 2000, there is a need for honest reflection on remaining challenges and the way ahead. Major General O\u2019Brien discusses the essential next steps that the international community must take to advance the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda, both on the ground and in international policy.\n\nAbout the Speaker:\n\nA native of Galway city, Major General Maureen O\u2019Brien graduated from University College Galway (UCG) with B.Sc. and H.Dip.Ed before being awarded a cadetship in \xd3glaigh na h\xc9ireann in 1981. In 2021, Major General O\u2019Brien was appointed to her current role as Deputy Military Advisor to the UN Under Secretary General for Peace Operations. She is Ireland\u2019s first female officer to reach the rank of Brigadier General. During her career, Maj-Gen O\u2019Brien has amassed extensive overseas service, most recently as Deputy Force Commander in UNDOR in Syria, and prior to that, peacekeeping experience in Chad and Lebanon.