UNSC Open Debate: Women, Peace and Security in the next Quarter Century: Fulfilling the Promise Through Implementation
National Statement delivered by Senator Dorinda Cox on behalf of the Permanent Mission of Australlia to the United Nations
27 October 2026
President,
As a proud Yamatji and Noongar woman, I am honoured to represent the generations of First Nations women who have shaped and sustained peace through their leadership, wisdom and stewardship. Their example reminds us that women have long been agents of peace.\
Fulfilling the promise of the Women, Peace and Security agenda means translating women’s leadership into full, equal and meaningful participation in peace and security processes.
Because the evidence is clear.
When women participate meaningfully, agreements are more durable, solutions are more inclusive, and better outcomes are achieved.
Yet implementation of the WPS agenda continues to fall short.
The Secretary-General’s report is sobering. In 2025, women were absent from negotiations in four of every five peace processes and made up only 5% of negotiators.
Last year, the proportion of Security Council decisions containing gender-related language fell to its lowest level in over 15 years.
Amid record levels of conflict and intensifying backlash against gender equality, these trends warn of a less peaceful, less inclusive and less secure future for us all.
President, we wish to highlight three ways Australia is driving implementation of the WPS agenda:
First, Australia invests in women’s leadership in conflict prevention and peacebuilding.
Our partnerships with the Southeast Asian Women Peace Mediators and the Pacific Women Mediators Network support women peacebuilders to shape peace and security outcomes. Their work spans some of the most complex conflict and post-conflict settings, from Myanmar to Timor-Leste.
Second, Australia is committed to advancing WPS through international leadership.
Our campaign for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2029-30 term reflects our broader commitment to international peace and security. If elected, Australia would amplify the WPS agenda across the Council’s work.
Third, Australia is pursuing gender-responsive and survivor-centred accountability and justice for conflict-related crimes.
For example, we are a proud supporter of the Gender Justice Practitioner Hub, a flagship initiative providing practitioners with the tools to deliver stronger gender justice outcomes. We also partner with the Global Survivors Fund to provide interim reparations for survivors of conflict-related sexual violence.
President,
As I continue, I would like to acknowledge a horrific attack that occurred on Monday last week against an Australian Member of Parliament, Dr Helen Haines. As we gather here to talk about the security and safety of women, Dr Haines and her loved ones are in the thoughts of the Australian Delegation.
The first quarter-century of the Women, Peace and Security agenda demonstrated why it matters. But the next chapter must be defined by translating these commitments into action.
We look forward to working with all members to ensure the Women, Peace and Security agenda delivers on its promise.
Thank you.