Finally, let me end by noting two recent initiatives that the United States h...

Finally, let me end by noting two recent initiatives that the United States has undertaken to make good on its commitment to address many of the issues being discussed here today. First, in December 2011, President Obama signed an executive order launching the first-ever United States National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security, which provides a comprehensive road map for accelerating and institutionalizing efforts across the United States Government to advance women's participation in making and keeping peace. The
National Action Plan recognizes that women are not just victims of war; they are agents of peace and essential to building the rule of law in any society.