Part

We fully support efforts to increase and prioritize the participation of women at all levels in peace processes and mediation efforts. The peace process in Colombia showed us how significant the involvement of women, both at the main peace talks in Havana and in regional and national consultations, can be in supporting the successful conclusion of the initial peace agreement between the Government and the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia — Ejército del Pueblo. Increased access to gender expertise by international mediators and negotiating parties in the drafting of peace agreements, which has resulted in the inclusion of gender-specific provisions in a number of agreements, is another positive development that should be sustained. Resolution 1325 (2000) recognized the need for a gender perspective to be taken into account in political, security and humanitarian action. While there has been some progress in mainstreaming gender considerations in the work of the United Nations, notably in the recent adoption of the Peacebuilding Commission’s Gender Strategy, there is still a long way to go in fully implementing such policies. 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 the 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 becomes axiomatic. Until then, my delegation offers its steadfast commitment and support to the furthering of this agenda.