The mandate of the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict was created in 1996 by the UN General Assembly to strengthen the protection of children affected by armed conflict, raise awareness, promote the collection of information about the plight of children affected by war and foster international co-operation to improve their protection. Since 1999, the systematic engagement of the UN Security Council firmly placed the issue of children and armed conflict on its agenda as affecting international peace and security.

In this Brown Bag Lunch discussion, the current Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict of the UN Secretary-General, Ms Virginia Gambawill share updates on her current priorities including with regard to mediation, prevention, regional and sub-regional organisations and the Global Coalition for the Reintegration of Former Child Soldiers.

Ms Virginia Gamba is the fourth Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict. She was appointed in April 2017 and served most recently as Assistant Secretary-General, Head of the Joint Investigative Mechanism Syria. She previously served as Deputy to the High Representative for Disarmament Affairs and Director of the Office for Disarmament Affairs. Past engagements with the UN include serving as Director to the Disarmament and Conflict Resolution Programme at the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research in Geneva (1992-1996).

The presentation will be followed by an informal discussion with participants.

Participants are welcome to bring their own lunch and EPLO will provide tea and coffee.

Please note that seats are limited and registration is mandatory. Please contact Lorenzo Conti if you would like to participate.