This open debate, Mr. President, is an excellent and timely opportunity for t...

This open debate, Mr. President, is an excellent and timely opportunity for the Council to express its strong support for the efforts of individual women and women's networks and organizations that are doing so much for peace and security from the grassroots to the international level. Portugal naturally aligns itself with the statement of the European Union that will be made later on. Women are important and indispensable actors of change and development. The Council has recognized that their active participation in political processes and in the discussions over their own countries' future is extremely valuable and should be mandatory with the approval resolution 1325 and subsequent Council resolutions on this issue. Women undeniably play a crucial role in rebuilding post conflict societies and social cohesion. It is therefore essential to guarantee that women are included in peace processes from their early phases and to ensure that their perspectives, direct knowledge and concerns are taken into account by the international and local actors in shaping peacebuilding efforts. It also essential to ensure that women's organizations and their leaders get the necessary support and encouragement from the international community to continue their work. The Council can and should play an important and active role in this regard.