65th Session 2010/2011
The General Debate of the 65th session of the General Assembly was held on was held on 23–30 September 2010, under the theme of “Reaffirming the central role of the United Nations in global governance.”
As part of WILPF’s engagement with the General Assembly, PeaceWomen and our sister program Reaching Critical Will worked together to monitor the debate for gender and disarmament issues.
During the General Debate, 100 Member States incorporated references to women and gender issues in their statements to the Assembly. Forty-seven representatives specifically highlighted areas specific to women, peace and security, including the need for greater prevention of and protection from gender-based violence as well as the unmet potential for women's participation in politics and society.
Noteworthy mentions by Estonia and Ireland expressed the intent to implement National Action Plans on Security Council Resolution 1325, while Finland signaled a forthcoming joint initiative with Kenya on women, peace and security. Furthermore, Trinidad and Tobago announced that they would table a resolution on "women, disarmament, arms control and nonproliferation" to the General Assembly First Committee on Disarmament and International Security.