ABU DHABI: The world’s tallest building, Burj Khalifa in Dubai lit up to mark the 20th anniversary of the adoption of United Nations Security Council resolution 1325 (2000) on Women, Peace, and Security, a ground-breaking resolution that was spearheaded by women leaders and organizations. It is the first resolution that recognized women’s leadership and impactful role in achieving international peace and security and their contributions to conflict prevention, peacekeeping, conflict resolution, and peacebuilding.
The visual identity for the Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Women Peace and Security, which was launched in October 2020 was also unveiled. It shows UAE’s growing support of the Women, Peace, and Security agenda, through capacity building to enhance women’s participation in peacebuilding in the region and around the world.
Amina J. Mohammed is the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, talked about women being trained from across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. Oly through innovative initiatives and partnerships the goal of women’s meaningful and full participation in all aspects of peace and security can be achieved. She also thanked H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak for her visionary leadership on this programme and to the partnership of UN Women.
Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, UN Under-Secretary-General and UN Women Executive Director, said that women, peace, and security agenda require a robust push to bring a radical shift into women’s equal and meaningful participation in peacemaking, peacekeeping, and peacebuilding. A key aspect to make women’s inclusion a reality in a male-dominated sector is training the next generation of women leaders in the military and peacekeeping sector.
Noura Al Suwaidi, Director of the General Women’s Union, GWU, noted that over 300 women from various Arab, Asian, and African countries, have been trained by the UAE Armed Forces in the last two years. This demonstrates the UAE’s commitment to advancing the women, peace and security agenda.
Dr. Mouza Al Shehhi, Director of the UN Women’s Liaison Office for the GCC, observed that when women participate in peace negotiations they are 35% more likely to result in lasting peace. Enabling women are of greater importance in shaping the future and establishing security in their communities and around the world. Therefore, she concluded, that it should be a top priority for all stakeholders involved.
Source: WAM
