We find the focus of today's debate pertinent as we move forward in the practical implementation of our commitments in the field of women, peace and security. Conflict prevention, conflict resolution and building sustainable peace require cooperation between all stakeholders at all levels, and women's organizations play a particularly important role in that regard.

We commend the work of the former Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Ms. Margot Wallström, and the Team of Experts on the Rule of Law. We welcome the nomination of the new Special Representative on sexual violence in conflict, Ms. Zainab Bangura, who brings extensive personal experience and a strong commitment to the post.

The number of national and regional action plans adopted for the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) has continued to increase. This provides us with an opportunity to compare different experiences to guide the formulation of new plans and review the existing plans. Moreover, with 26 out of 37 national action plans now equipped with indicators, we are better placed to evaluate their actual implementation and results.

The EU Concept on Strengthening EU Mediation and Dialogue Capacities aims to promote the representation of women and the availability of adequate resources for dedicated mediation gender expertise from an early stage in mediation processes. Today, almost all of our 15 ongoing civilian missions and military operations have a human rights and/or gender adviser on the ground.

The commitment to break down barriers to women's political and economic empowerment was also expressed at the high-level event on the margins of this year's General Assembly ministerial week on the Equal Futures Partnership, co-founded by the United States, Australia, Benin, Bangladesh, Denmark, Finland, Indonesia, Jordan, the Netherlands, Peru, Senegal, Tunisia and the European Union.

In July 2011, the EU set out an initial programme in response to a Libyan request for capacity-building training for both civil society and new public service bodies. As part of those projects, a course for women was delivered in Misrata in June to support women in leadership positions and emerging women leaders and managers.

In conclusion, we are deeply concerned about the references in the Secretary-General's report to the continued use of sexual violence and threats of sexual violence as tactics of conflict over the past year, including in Côte d'Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Libya, Syria and northern Mali. We welcome and further encourage drawing on the support of gender experts in United Nations commissions of inquiry.

Finally, our actions need to measure up to our words. The European Union continues to be active with regard to women and peace and security in more than 70 countries. It supports the development and implementation of national action plans, non-governmental organizations and training for governmental agencies.

Women have always played a unique role in preventing and in solving conflicts. However, it was only 12 years ago that a resolution adopted at the international level was dedicated solely to that issue. Today, 12 years after the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000), further implementing the principles enshrined in the resolution remains a challenge in many parts of the world.

We welcome the focus of today's debate on the role of women's civil society organizations in contributing to the prevention and resolution of armed conflict and peacebuilding. As expressed in many statements made here today, Estonia, too, is of the firm opinion that the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) requires cooperation among all stakeholders: Member States, regional and international organizations and civil society.