Pakistan urges expanded role for women in UN peace efforts

Pakistan called on the international community to broaden women’s participation in peace and security at a United Nations High-Level Forum on the Culture of Peace. Addressing delegates, Pakistan’s deputy permanent representative framed women’s leadership as essential to lasting peace.

Message to the UN forum

Ambassador Usman Jadoon emphasised that durable peace depends on women’s full engagement in political life, and on their access to education and justice. He praised Bangladesh for sponsoring the annual follow-up resolution to the Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace, which was originally adopted by the UN General Assembly on 13 September 1999 and reaffirmed during the Assembly’s 80th session.

Pointing to women as a key constituency for peace, the Pakistani envoy argued that conflicts require the “healing touch” of women leaders and that peace processes are stronger when women lead negotiations rather than being sidelined. Pakistan highlighted UN resolutions that recognise women’s pivotal role in peace and security and called for continued investment in women’s leadership.

Summing up the country’s stance, Ambassador Jadoon urged concrete support for women’s advancement and said, “Let’s invest in women leadership, let’s invest in peace, let’s invest in future.” He also noted the contributions of Pakistani women as political leaders, diplomats, educators, soldiers and peacekeepers, and said Pakistan would continue to advocate for an enlarged role for women in peacebuilding consistent with its obligations and values.