Remarks by UN Resident Coordinator on Reflection on Contemporary Developments on Women, Peace & Security

Excellencies,

Distinguished Guests, 

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good morning and thank you for joining us today.

It is an honour to be here as we gather to discuss the localization and implementation of a critical and transformative agenda on Women, Peace, and Security (WPS). An agenda that recognizes the pivotal role of women in peacekeeping, peacebuilding and conflict resolution - and in political decision-making.

As you may know, the WPS agenda was adopted by the United Nations Security Council through Resolution 1325. It has provided a global framework for ensuring that women’s voices are not only heard but integrated at all levels of peace and security decision-making.

This WPS agenda emphasizes the need for gender equality in the prevention of conflict, the protection of women in conflict, and their full participation in peace processes. It is an inclusive approach to peacebuilding, security, and governance that is essential to building a resilient, inclusive, and peaceful society.

Around the world, as we commemorate the 25th anniversary of the WPS agenda, Member States are stepping up and are motivated to develop their National Action Plan on WPS. A plan that will inspire concrete action to address persistent obstacles to women’s meaningful participation in peace and security processes and decision-making. A plan that will recognize the dynamic and complex roles played by women of diverse backgrounds. A plan that will acknowledge the essential role of civil society in a “whole of society” approach to implementation of the WPS agenda.

Member States are also examining ways to help each other to implement the WPS agenda to achieve lasting peace and security. To date, 112 countries are implementing the WPS agenda though a WPS National Action Plan. Many countries are now incorporating women’s leadership and participation in policy and decision-making on emerging issues such as climate, peace and security.

There are currently 101 Member States in the Focal Point Network on WPS. This network was established by Member States and regional organizations to assist each other to improve and strengthen the implementation of the Women, Peace and Security agenda at the origin of decision-making processes – and do so in close collaboration with civil society. We hope that Mongolia will consider joining this global network in the future.

As you may appreciate, the WPS National Action Plan is more than just a framework. It should be designed as a lasting commitment to peace and security in line with the ideals of the UN Charter. It should a roadmap that reflects a country’s dedication to ensuring the active participation of women in peace and security decision-making from the grassroots to the highest levels. It should be a roadmap that recognises that the nature of conflict and its drivers have shifted. Shifts that have have taken place due to new technologies and the digital space, the climate emergency and changing demographics. Shifts that will be discussed today and tomorrow.

Mongolia is a country that has experienced peace and stability for decades and has contributed significantly to global peacekeeping efforts. As such, the adoption of a National Action Plan represents both a unique opportunity and a responsibility. Mongolia’s history of gender equality and the active role of Mongolian women in various sectors—from governance to peacekeeping—provides a solid foundation to drive forward this agenda.

Mongolia has taken strong leadership roles in promoting women in international peacekeeping and has hosted instrumental international meetings on peace and security for many years. Last year, Mongolia celebrated the 22nd anniversary of the country’s contribution to United Nations peacekeeping, which started in 2002 with the deployment of two unarmed military observers. Today, over 900 military and police personnel serve in field missions around the globe.

In a visit to Mongolia in 2022, Secretary-General António Guterres underscored the UN’s full solidarity for the country. He described it as “a symbol of peace in a troubled world”. He stated that in a world with dramatic geopolitical divides, and where conflicts proliferate everywhere, Mongolia - as an area free of nuclear weapons - is an example for other countries to follow. However, we also recognize that challenges remain - particularly in addressing gender-based violence, ensuring equal representation in decision-making, and integrating women’s perspectives in national security policies.

Today’s discussion is just the beginning of what I hope will be a collaborative effort. An effort that brings together government, civil society, and international partners.

We welcome the valued participation of government and civil society organizations today. Indeed, you are essential partners in the implementation of the WPS agenda.

Together, we will work to ensure that a proposed WPS National Action Plan is not just a document, but a living, breathing commitment. A commitment to the advancement of women’s rights and the building of lasting peace and security in Mongolia and beyond.

I look forward to the discussions and actions that will follow.

Thank you.