UN SECURITY COUNCIL OPEN DEBATE - WOMEN, PEACE AND SECURITY: TOWARDS THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF RESOLUTION 1325
7 March 2023
Statement delivered by Stephanie Copus Campbell AM, Australia's Ambassador for Gender Equality
Australia thanks Mozambique for convening this Open Debate on Women, Peace, and Security.
As we move closer towards the 25th anniversary of the adoption of Resolution 1325, we are reminded of how far we have come as a global community, but, at the same time, how far we have yet to go.
As the world continues to confront conflicts and threats to peace and security, like climate change and pandemics, our collective commitment to advancing gender equality and WPS must remain a priority.
As the Women Peace and Security agenda makes clear, our ability to address these challenges is more effective if we have the fullest representation of leaders in our society at the decision-making table.
We will be more effective in achieving and maintaining peace and security when our actions are systemic and sustained, with adequate resourcing of the four WPS pillars.
This includes the full and equal participation and leadership of women and girls, as well as people of diverse gender identities, in the security sector, military contingents, peacekeeping forces and peacemaking. It also requires consistent and concerted mainstreaming of gender across peace and security processes.
As we respond to the climate crisis, we must acknowledge the impacts this is having and will continue to have on global peace and security. This starts with recognising that the impacts of the climate crisis and natural hazards differ by gender and can have a disproportionate impact on women and girls.
The WPS agenda also provides a clear framework for bringing our efforts together. With this, the capabilities, insights, strengths and leadership of women and girls, and persons of diverse gender identities, are critical to driving effective strategies for change.
Progressing the WPS agenda also demands addressing all forms of gender-based violence, including sexual violence in conflict. To do this effectively, we must partner with civil society and support human rights defenders. Australia does this through our work with the Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund, and regional women peace mediator networks, as well as support for the development and implementation of WPS national, and regional, action plans.
We welcome collaboration with other Member States to accelerate action, and achievements, towards an inclusive, equitable and sustained global peace and security agenda.