General Women, Peace and Security

The Nordic countries strongly welcome the Secretary-General's report (S/2013/525) and the adoption of resolution 2122 (2013) on women, peace and security. We commend the Council for the progress made and trust that the new resolution will enhance a more rapid, complete and systematic implementation of all the resolutions on this matter.

Finally, we welcome the Secretary-General's call for a 2015 high-level review of the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) and his call for new and ambitious targets.

I would like to conclude by assuring you once again, Mr. President, of the support and cooperation of the Solomon Islands in protecting women's safety and their contribution to nation-building and world peace.

At one of the open debates in the Council during the previous session, we discussed cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations (see S/PV.7015).

We also consider it important that the topic under discussion today be addressed by regional organizations as well, as important stakeholders in the task of ensuring peace and security.

We also join others in welcoming the adoption of resolution 2122 (2013).

"We hope that some of the practical recommendations contained in the resolution adopted today will infuse new momentum and vigour into our collective efforts to promote the women and peace and security agenda."

As the representative of the world's largest regional security organization I would like at the outset to devote a few remarks to the role regional organizations can and should play with respect to the implementation of the commitments resulting from the Women, Peace and Security agenda.

Women and peace and security is the agenda item that will not go away, and with very good reason. As long as that remains the reality, New Zealand will continue to participate actively in the implementation of the women and peace and security agenda.

Mr. President, allow me to begin by thanking you for organizing today's open debate of the Security Council and the speakers for their valuable contributions.