Women are among the most vulnerable during conflicts whether internal or othe...

Women are among the most vulnerable during conflicts whether internal or otherwise, and hence, must be involved in all vehicles relating to the settlement of disputes and conflict prevention. The absence of women in the process could result in the development of peace agreements which are not comprehensive in scope and which may not address those issues which affected women during the period of conflict and which continue thereafter. The inclusion of women in the peaceful settlement of disputes and conflict prevention is related to their involvement in the political process. The Honourable Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, continues to demonstrate her commitment to the participation of women in government in meaningful ways, both nationally and internationally. Her advocacy on this issue resulted in the hosting in Trinidad and Tobago of regional seminars to promote this democratic cause. Bearing in mind the significance of this subject, Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar together with other States, UNDP and UN Women, successfully co~hosted a High Level Colloquium on Women's Political Participation last Monday in the margins of the General Assembly. Mr. President, it was gratifying to see a room overflowing with mainly women from all over the world championing the common cause of gender equality. This event clearly demonstrated that the smallness of a country is not a deterrent to the realization of big dreams and the fulfillment of wholesome ideals in the pursuit of human development. As part of the Colloquium, the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago was among those leaders who signed a Declaration on advancing women's political participation. It is our hope that the outcome of this event would influence greater global consciousness and discussions on the participation of women in government and the advancement of democracy globally. In keeping with the objective of this seminar, Trinidad and Tobago calls on Member States to implement the provisions of resolution 65/283 on the inclusion of women as mediators in the peaceful settlement of disputes and conflict prevention. At the same time, we would also welcome greater efforts to recruit lead mediators from developing countries, particularly, small island developing states consistent with the principle of equitable geographic distribution in the recruitment of United Nations personnel.