Statement by Botswana

 Botswana welcomes the annual open debate on women and peace and security, as convened by this body since 2000. Through these debates, Member States and civil society organizations have been given the opportunity to discuss various themes aimed at enhancing women’s participation in conflict prevention, peacebuilding and decision-making in matters related to international peace and security.

We consider today’s open debate to be of the utmost importance to assessing the progress made following the 2015 global study on the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000), the 2015 report of the Secretary-General on women and peace and security (S/2015/716), and the adoption of the Global Acceleration Instrument for Women and Peace and Security and Humanitarian Action. In that regard, Botswana welcomes the adoption of the Global Acceleration Instrument, which aims at accelerating the implementation of the women and peace and security agenda by building capacity and increasing funding for women’s participation, leadership and empowerment, as well as humanitarian action.

We are pleased that although the Global Acceleration Instrument is still in its infancy, women mediators in some conflict-affected countries have been involved in conflict prevention and resolution efforts. The outcomes of such efforts have been encouraging. Given the positive outcomes of the Global Acceleration Instrument, we appeal to Member States and civil society organizations to support that noble initiative.