Security Council 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

While many regional organizations are cooperating closely with each-other, there is a need to intensify this cooperation and gradually build a net of regional organizations aiming to improve data disaggregation produce gender analyses, share best practices and coordinate gender-responsive and human rights-based approaches to ensure the meaningful inclusion of women, in particular those from traditionally marginalized groups, in political and peace and security processes.
In Afghanistan, since the violent take-over of the Taliban in August 2021, women have been systematically erased from public life, those who have protested violently repressed, abducted, killed, or subjected to other forms of reprisals. It is utterly worrying that, despite promises and commitments, girls continue to be denied their education. This is unacceptable.
Regional Organizations are often the first to react in crisis response, to engage with concerned parties to ensure protection of civilians. They are uniquely placed to build trust and promote dialogue among concerned parties, as well as offer support in mediation and reconciliation; and can be influential in advocating for women’s full, equal, and meaningful, as well as safe, participation in all aspects of peace and security.
It is crucial for the regional organizations to work closely with the civil society and especially with women led organizations at grassroot level. Regional organizations must be able to support safe and enabling environments for women peacebuilders, human rights defenders, and civil society activists.
Albania, through its participation within several regional organizations like OSCE, NATO and OIC, is committed to fulfilling its duty regarding the acceleration and full implementation of the Women, Peace and Security agenda.
Colleagues,
At OIC Albania is fully engaged and very supportive of every initiative that aims to strengthen the meaningful participation of women at all levels, accelerate the WPS agenda and the normative framework adopted during the years from the Security Council.
Colleagues,
I am happy to report on some real, bold and significant achievements on the meaningful participation of women in important decision-making processes in my country. Albania currently ranks among the top 5 gender-balanced Government in the world, with 75% women Ministers. Some of the key highest public positions in Albania – including independent institutions, agencies, departments in key areas of the state – are successfully held by women. Albania has taken important steps towards officially embracing gender responsive budgeting at central and local level.
Colleagues,
I am happy to report on some real, bold and significant achievements on the meaningful participation of women in important decision-making processes in my country. Albania currently ranks among the top 5 gender-balanced Government in the world, with 75% women Ministers. Some of the key highest public positions in Albania – including independent institutions, agencies, departments in key areas of the state – are successfully held by women. Albania has taken important steps towards officially embracing gender responsive budgeting at central and local level.
Colleagues,
I am happy to report on some real, bold and significant achievements on the meaningful participation of women in important decision-making processes in my country. Albania currently ranks among the top 5 gender-balanced Government in the world, with 75% women Ministers. Some of the key highest public positions in Albania – including independent institutions, agencies, departments in key areas of the state – are successfully held by women. Albania has taken important steps towards officially embracing gender responsive budgeting at central and local level.
Colleagues,
I am happy to report on some real, bold and significant achievements on the meaningful participation of women in important decision-making processes in my country. Albania currently ranks among the top 5 gender-balanced Government in the world, with 75% women Ministers. Some of the key highest public positions in Albania – including independent institutions, agencies, departments in key areas of the state – are successfully held by women. Albania has taken important steps towards officially embracing gender responsive budgeting at central and local level.
Colleagues,
To this end, we must ensure that all regional organizations prioritize WPS agenda and develop action plans or strategies for the implementation of this agenda in accordance with the SC Resolution 1325 and other relevant SC Resolutions.
In Ukraine, as this Council has heard many times including Monday last week, because of the war, substantive gains on women’s rights and gender equality made in recent years, have been put under immense pressure, if not undone. Ukrainian women and girls are facing today maybe the biggest challenge of their lives: unlawful attacks on civilian facilities, including schools and hospitals, are depriving them of access to education and essential health services, including sexual and reproductive health care services. Those women and girls who are forced to flee their homes find themselves in situations that exacerbate inequality and vulnerability, in the face of sexual and gender-based violence. We are appalled by reports of alleged sexual violence which need to be fully documented and properly investigated.

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