We must expand the role of women everywhere. We need women to play a greater ...

We must expand the role of women everywhere. We need women to play a greater role in preventive diplomacy, mediation and peacekeeping. We need women to play a greater role in post-conflict reconstruction and institution-building, and we need a greater role for women in sustainable development and as agents for social transformation. The integral link between peace, security, gender equality and development is evident. This interaction renders women's participation in peace processes and sustainable development mutually reinforcing. The issue of women's security should therefore be addressed through holistic methodologies rather than ad hoc solutions. In that regard, while we should put gender equality and the empowerment of women at the core of our efforts, we should further encourage and support their participation in the work of peace, including post-conflict recovery efforts and the sustainable development process.