Minister Xhaçka before the open debate, Keeping the promises: The role of regional organizations in implementing women, peace and security in the face of political turmoil and seizures of power by force

Recent events in various parts of the world, in Ukraine, Afghanistan, Sudan, Myanmar, Mali, Ethiopia etc., have not just threatened the fragile gains of the women, peace and security agenda, but also the lives and work of women peacebuilders and human rights defenders themselves. The recent increase in military coups and seizures of power by force has drastically affected the prospects for women’s organizations and gender equality advocates in these countries and has tested the ability of the international community to fulfill the mandate of the Security Council.
This is what we will try to achieve during the Open Debate: to identify persistent shortfalls in implementing the normative framework on women, peace and security in contexts marked by a recent military coup or seizure of power by force; and share best experiences and ideas on ways that the Security Council or regional organizations can protect and further advance this agenda in such situations, including to support the work of women peacebuilders and civil society organizations and make gender analysis central to our prevention and response strategies.
As part of our commitments to champion and advance Women, Peace and Security agenda in the SC, Albania will organize on 15th of June, a signature event, an Open Debate entitled “Keeping the promises: The role of regional organizations in implementing women, peace and security in the face of political turmoil and seizures of power by force”.
Women’s meaningful participation in all levels of decision making and their meaningful inclusion in preventing conflicts and negotiating peace processes is still challenged by structural barriers, lack of access to political and economic resources, as well as by a predominantly masculine mentality of domestic and international politics.
Dear Friends,
A better coordination and a closer cooperation between the SC and the regional and sub-regional Organizations can make the difference on the ground. More than ever, we need fresh insights and perspectives to accelerate the implementation of the WPS Agenda. We strongly believe that regional and sub-regional organizations can play a crucial role in this regard, especially during these turbulent times.
Since the landmark adoption of Resolution 1325 (2000), the normative framework in the field of women, peace and security has continued to be developed extensively. However, despite of almost two decades of policy development, the same cannot be said about its implementations.
Since June 1st of June 2022, Albania has assumed the Presidency of the Security Council. This is a huge privilege and responsibility at the same time!
Together we can achieve much more and keep the promises made to our peoples and especially to the women and girl around the world.

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