Signatories to Women and Peace and Security (WPS) Commitments - Security Council | United Nations

Security Council Media Stakeout by the Permanent Representative of Gabon, Michel Xavier Biang, and the Permanent Representative of Norway, Mona Juul, on behalf of the signatories to the Women and peace and security (WPS) commitments (Ireland, Kenya, Mexico, Norway, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, Albania, Brazil, France, Gabon, as well as Ecuador, Malta, and Niger). ----- The Permanent Representative Ambassador of Gabon, Michel Xavier Biang, and the Permanent Representative Ambassador of Norway, Mona Juul, briefed reporters in New York on behalf of the signatories to the WPS commitments (Ireland, Kenya, Mexico, Norway, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, Albania, Brazil, France, Gabon, Ecuador, Malta, and Niger). Biang said, “We have a shared goal: To ensure that the Women, Peace and Security agenda is fully and meaningfully integrated into all aspects of the Council’s work - including in country-specific discussions, that the voices of women are heard around the Council table, – and that the crucial work of women, peacebuilders and human rights defenders in conflict prevention and resolution, peacebuilding and sustaining peace is supported and recognized.” Juul said, “Our common goal must be to promote and protect women’s full, equal and meaningful participation and leadership in conflict-affected countries or those facing humanitarian crises.” "Strengthening women's resilience and leadership as a path to peace in regions plagued by armed groups" under the agenda item "Women and peace and security.” The meeting is an opportunity for all Member States to share specific examples of how they are supporting women's resilience in conflict-affected countries and their capacity to contribute to peace and security. In June 2022, the Secretary-General told the Security Council that gender equality offered a path to sustainable peace and conflict, yet we are moving in the opposite direction. But while descriptions of current trends often include worrisome trends about the impact of conflict on women's health, education, food security, participation in public life, and their rights in general, it is equally important that the international community pay attention to the multiple ways in which women and women's organizations are organizing themselves, and joining up in ever-growing networks, to contribute to peace and security. Despite the odds, women peacebuilders persist in their determination to help their communities and fight for their rights.