Participation

In that respect, it is worth noting that security sector reform cannot succeed without taking into account the gender perspective. By deploying female military and police officials, peacekeeping missions can indirectly encourage host countries to include women in their security institutions.

To that end, we see the need for more integrated planning and implementation of United Nations mandates across the entire peacebuilding continuum, starting with mediation, passing through disarmament, demobilization and reintegration, and moving towards rule of law assistance, the empowerment of youth and women and socio-economic recovery.

The specific needs of women, children, the disadvantaged and victims of discrimination should always be included in the design and delivery of security.

It is also important to ensure the participation of all members of society, including women. They should be better represented in security institutions and their rights should be properly respected. In that connection, the efforts by the United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office in Guinea Bissau to integrate women into that country's police and military institutions should be continued and supported.

Special attention should be paid to the participation of women in planning, leading and implementing security sector reforms. Women are actors and stakeholders in upholding and promoting security and the rule of law. In this regard, we would like to recall the action plan of the Secretary-General on women's participation in peacebuilding.

Secondly, we need vigorous, sustained diplomacy and mediation to prevent violence or its escalation. Intensive diplomatic efforts by the Secretary-General, his senior envoys and key staff in the field can pull adversaries back from the brink, especially when backed by a united international community.

There is no one-size-fits-all solution in conflict prevention diplomacy. We should be open to consider important elements that can contribute to the prevention of conflicts, including cultural orientation, local preferences and local expertise in developing strategies aimed at preventive diplomacy.

Finally, we must continue to support national institutions and mechanisms for mediation and dialogue. Including civil society organizations, especially women and youth who can lead the charge for peaceful change, in preventive efforts is critical.

Active prevention cannot be limited to State institutions, but should also extend to civil society bodies, particularly women's and youth organizations, media, universities and research centres, which can all play an important role in promoting a culture of prevention.

Developing a culture of prevention is also a question of the political participation of those affected, in particular women. Women should be at the core of prevention and sustaining peace.