The Utility of Gender in Peace Support Operations Course (UGPSOC) was successfully conducted at the Peace Support Operations Training Centre (PSOTC) of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina (AF BiH) from 20 to 24 April 2026, bringing together 32 participants from 16 countries, supported by experienced instructors and guest lecturers from national and international institutions.

The course was officially opened by Brigadier General Dr. Jasmin Čajić, Deputy Commander for Operations, Support Command of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina. During the opening ceremony, he emphasised the operational importance of integrating gender perspectives into peace support operations, highlighting their direct impact on mission effectiveness, protection of civilians, and the credibility of deployed forces. He also underlined PSOTC’s continued commitment to professional military education aligned with NATO standards.

UGPSOC is designed for military, police, and civilian personnel, with a focus on the practical application of gender perspectives in Peace Support Operations (PSO). Through lectures, syndicate work, case studies, and other practical activities, participants enhanced their understanding of how gender dynamics influence operational planning, decision-making, and mission outcomes.

During the closing ceremony, PSOTC Commandant Colonel Damir Alibašić congratulated all participants on their successful completion of the course and highlighted the importance of networking and international cooperation. He also expressed special appreciation to the instructors and guest lecturers from the Nordic Centre for Gender in Military Operations (NCGM), the International Military Operations Centre (IMOC), the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the Border Police of Bosnia and Herzegovina, EUFOR, and the Ministry of Defence of Bosnia and Herzegovina, whose expertise ensured the high quality and relevance of the course.

The successful implementation of UGPSOC once again confirms PSOTC’s role as an important regional and international training centre, as well as the strong commitment of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina to inclusive security, gender mainstreaming, and international cooperation.