United Nations: Pakistan has called for the meaningful inclusion of women in peace negotiations, saying durable peace cannot be achieved if women remain excluded from decision-making processes.
Addressing a United Nations Security Council debate on Women, Peace and Security on Wednesday, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, urged the international community to make women’s participation in peace efforts “systematic, not symbolic.”
According to Beyond Time News, the debate focused on strengthening women’s role in conflict prevention, peace negotiations, and post-conflict recovery.
“Peace built without women is peace built on fragile ground,” Ambassador Asim told the Council.
He said women must be involved from the beginning of peace processes and not merely consulted after key decisions have been made.
Women Essential for Lasting Peace
The Pakistani envoy said women bring valuable perspectives on education, healthcare, justice, reconciliation, livelihoods, and civilian protection.
These issues, he noted, are critical for building sustainable peace in conflict-affected societies.
He added that peace agreements involving women are often more inclusive and more likely to endure.
“Women’s participation brings attention to issues without which peace cannot take root,” he said.
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Call for Representation at Senior Levels
Pakistan urged the United Nations and regional organizations to ensure women are represented at senior levels in mediation teams, negotiation delegations, and peace-support mechanisms.
Ambassador Asim also stressed the need to create safe conditions for women participating in peace efforts.
He called for stronger accountability for attacks against women and better mechanisms to support their engagement in conflict-resolution initiatives.
Pakistan Highlights Women’s Contributions
During his remarks, the ambassador highlighted the role of Pakistani women in diplomacy, politics, law enforcement, humanitarian work, and peacekeeping.
He noted that Pakistani women serving in UN peacekeeping missions continue to contribute with professionalism and dedication.
According to him, their service reflects Pakistan’s commitment to inclusive peace and security.
UN-Women Raises Concerns
Opening the debate, UN-Women Executive Director Sima Bahous said women’s inclusion remains one of the most effective ways to strengthen peace efforts.
She noted that research consistently shows women help reduce violence, improve accountability, and increase the chances of lasting peace agreements.
However, she warned that women remain underrepresented in peace negotiations despite ongoing conflicts in several regions of the world.
Bahous called for stronger implementation of international commitments aimed at increasing women’s participation in peace processes.
Growing Global Focus
The debate took place more than two decades after the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 1325, which promotes women’s participation in peace and security efforts.
More than 70 speakers, including diplomats, UN officials, and civil society representatives, took part in the discussion.
Many stressed that greater inclusion of women is essential for building more effective and sustainable peace agreements.
FAQs
What did Pakistan call for at the UN?
Pakistan urged the international community to ensure women play a meaningful role in peace negotiations and conflict-resolution efforts.
Who represented Pakistan at the debate?
Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, addressed the Security Council.
Why is women’s participation important in peace talks?
Research shows that peace agreements involving women are often more inclusive, effective, and durable.
What is Resolution 1325?
It is a landmark UN Security Council resolution that supports women’s participation in peace and security processes.
Who addressed the debate on behalf of UN-Women?
UN-Women Executive Director Sima Bahous delivered opening remarks at the Security Council session.
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