Mauritanian ambassador to the U.S. Madam Cisse Boïde, participate to the conference Bridging divides and building cooperation5-6 June 2025, Paris.
Mauritanian ambassador to the U.S. Madam Cisse Boïde, participate to the conference Bridging divides and building cooperation
5-6 June 2025, Paris
Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne
And during his intervention at the panel ROUNDTABLE 2 – WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP IN COMPLEX NEGOTIATIONS AND
INCLUSIVE GOVERNANCE, SALLE JEAN BAPTISTE DUROSELLE
Moderates by Natalie MAROUN European Climate Pact Ambassador, CEO Element and Golda EL KHOURY Founder & President Higher Ground, Former Senior UN oZicial. During his intervention Mauritania’s Ambassador to the U.S. and the first woman to hold this role, emphasized that women’s leadership is essential—not optional—in peacebuilding and governance. Drawing on her personal and professional experiences, she highlighted how women, often through calm, strategic, and inclusive approaches, unlock deadlocks in negotiations and foster trust.
She stressed that while women are deeply involved at the grassroots level, they are still too often excluded from formal decision-making spaces. Citing Mauritania’s progress with gender quotas, she called for deeper structural reforms—such as institutionalizing women’s participation, expanding access to resources, and including marginalized voices.
In polarized environments, she explained that women leverage relational diplomacy, multidimensional advocacy, and community knowledge to bridge divides. Her message to youth was clear: You don’t need a title to be a peacebuilder—change starts with listening, action, and courage.
She concluded with a powerful statement:
“Women’s leadership is not a favor. It’s a necessity… To speak of peace without women is to speak with only half our voice.”
Other Speakers participate on the discussion Anne Marie GOETZ (Clinical Professor, New York University, USA) Mukesh KAPILA (CBE; Professor Emeritus, University of Manchester; Former Senior
oZicial, Switzerland) Carlos CISNEROS (WHO, Switzerland; Former Undersecretary of State, Ecuador) Mary KHIMULU (Former Kenya Ambassador and Permanent Delegate to UNESCO,
Kenya)
Representative)
Erma MANONCOURT (President and Founder, M&D Consulting Inc., Former UNICEF.
