Madam President,

It is my pleasure to deliver this statement on behalf of a large group of countries, including my own country Bahrain.

The integration of women in the peace processes and in all discussions relevant to promote peace around the globe has a significant value and importance.

More than 70 years ago, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights proclaimed that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights and that everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth. However, in reality, discrimination, either de jure or de facto, persists, even in the diplomatic arena.

Madam President,

The work of the UN is based on three pillars: peace and security, development and human rights. It is imperative that we work together to preserve all three of them.

Resolution 1325 of the UN Security Council and other relevant resolutions and statements address the human rights of women and girls in conflict and post-conflict situations and calls for their participation in peacebuilding and conflict prevention.

These documents integrate the spirit of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, with the other pillars of the UN and brings forward the need to work harder to implement a gender perspective and women's human rights into the agenda of all international bodies. 

The CEDAW reminds us in its preamble that “the welfare of the world and the cause of peace require the maximum participation of women on equal terms with men in all fields” and requires equal participation of women at the international level. Moreover, the CEDAW Committee has expressed that “integration of a gender perspective and women's human rights into the agenda of all international bodies is a government imperative”.

With the adoption of Agenda 2030 and the SDGs, the International Community ratified a strong commitment to the realization of gender equality, peace and education. They are not only objectives, but also drivers of sustainable development.

Although the contribution of women to peace building is increasingly recognized, the role of women in preventive diplomacy has so far been quite limited. We need to have women's voices influencing an agenda for human rights, sustainable development, security and peace.

Therefore, we call upon all Member States to strongly commit to ensure that women have a seat at every table, that they are heard and that they can contribute to find solutions and prevent conflict. Only then, can we have a peaceful and equal society.

We are committed to taking into account the experiences of women and girls, both living in conflict zones but also in peace and stability, and to always include a gender perspective, recognizing the unique impact different situations may have on women and girls.

List of co-sponsoring States

1. Bahrain
2. Israel
3. United Arab Emirates
4. Morocco
5. Albania
6. Andorra
7. Argentina
8. Armenia
9. Australia
10. Austria
11. Bulgaria
12. Cameron
13. Canada
14. Colombia
15. Costa Rica
16. Croatia
17. Cyprus
18. Czech Republic
19. Ecuador
20. Fiji
21. Germany
22. Greece
23. Guatemala
24. Hungary
25. Iceland
26. India
27. Ireland
28. Japan
29. Kirghizstan
30. Korea
31. Liechtenstein
32. Lithuania
33. Marshall Islands
34. Mexico
35. Moldova
36. Monaco
37. New Zealand
38. Norway
39. Philippines
40. Poland
41. Portugal
42. Romania
43. Singapore
44. Slovakia
45. Slovenia
46. Sovereign Order of Malta
47. Sri Lanka
48. Thailand
49. Togo
50. Turkey
51. Uganda
52. Ukraine
53. Uruguay
54. United States of America
55. Uzbekistan