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At the national level, the equal rights of women and men are guaranteed under the Constitution of Trinidad and Tobago. Equal opportunities exist for women’s participation at the decision-making level in matters regarding peace and security. That is underscored by the recruitment and ascendency of women to senior ranks of the security sector in Trinidad and Tobago.

As the nature of threats to international security continues to evolve in complexity, my delegation submits that the primary objective of our Organization would be elusive without the full and effective integration of women into all spheres of conflict resolution, conflict prevention and peacebuilding processes. Trinidad and Tobago is fully committed to the goal of gender equality. For us, the empowerment of women is an integral part of national development and an essential pillar in the maintenance of sustainable peace.

My country pledges its commitment to continue to work with the United Nations in advancing and empowering women at the global level. Consequently, Trinidad and Tobago was elected to the Executive Board of the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women in April. We are eager to begin our mandate in January 2017 and to join international efforts to promote the advancement of women and girls everywhere.