At a High-Level Forum on the Culture of Peace, Pakistan has called for an expanded role for women in peace and security, emphasizing the theme of women’s leadership.
At UN, Pakistan advocates women’s leadership in global peace initiatives
UNITED NATIONS, Sep 03 (APP):At a High-Level Forum on the Culture of Peace, Pakistan has called for an expanded role for women in peace and security, emphasizing the theme of women’s leadership.
“Let’s invest in women leadership, let’s invest in peace, let’s invest in future,” Ambassador Usman Jadoon, deputy permanent representative of Pakistan to the UN, told the forum held on Wednesday to commemorate the adoption of the Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace by the UN General Assembly on 13 September 1999.
He also lauded Bangladesh for sponsoring the annual follow-up resolution adopted by the 80th session of the 193-member Assembly.
“This landmark document affirmed that peace does not merely lie in the silence of guns but, in fact, flows from the protection of human rights, celebration of plurality, and promotion of the rule of law,” the Pakistani envoy said.
Pointing out that women constitute a major constituency for peace; Ambassador Jadoon said, “Fostering a robust Culture of Peace is predicated on women’s full participation in political process and their unhindered access to education and justice.”
“A society scarred by prolonged conflict needs the healing touch of women leadership,” he said, adding, “Peace, indeed, is more durable when women are spearheading the negotiations; it is shaky and short-lived when they are at the fringes of the political process.”
In this regard, the Pakistani envoy said the U.N. had adopted several resolutions recognizing the pivotal role of women for peace and security and advocating continued investment in women’s leadership in peacebuilding.
Pakistani women’s “meritorious” contributions as political leaders, diplomats, teachers, soldiers and peacekeepers, have won accolades for their courage and conviction, Ambassador Jadoon said.
“In line with its civilizational ethos, constitutional obligations and bolstered by its firm faith in the centrality of women for a genuine peace, Pakistan shall continue to strive for an expanded role of women for peace and security,” he added.
