Malaysia Participation

We fully support efforts to increase and prioritize the participation of women at all levels in peace processes and mediation efforts.

We also share the assessment that the presence of women peacekeepers in conflict zones can facilitate interaction and confidence-building with local communities and affected populations, particularly women and children.

In addition to endorsing the three P’s — planning, pledges and performance — the London communiqué adopted by the United Nations peacekeeping defence ministerial meeting held last month also affirmed the commitment to increase women’s participation in uniformed roles. In that regard, I am pleased to share that, as of 16 September, Malaysia has increased from 26 to 40 the number of women military personnel deployed within our contingent under the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon.

In that regard, Malaysia believes that increasing the number of women in decision-making positions contributes to the development and implementation of holistic and gender-inclusive policies that benefit the community, the State and the Organization as a whole.

The call made in resolution 1325 (2000) for increased representation of women at all decision-making levels remains as acute and relevant now as it was then, including within the United Nations. We continue to support the Secretary-General’s efforts to achieve gender parity within the United Nations, especially at senior decision-making levels.

In conclusion, the women and peace and security agenda aspires to restore the role of women and girls — one half of humankind — as effective actors with an equal stake in peace and security efforts. Our task will be complete only when women’s representation and participation in conflict prevention, management and resolution is axiomatic. Until then, my delegation offers its steadfast commitment and support to furthering the Secretary-General’s agenda. We hope that Secretary- General- designate Guterres will continue to build on the women and peace and security initiative begun under Mr. Ban Ki-moon.