Participation

There are many stakeholders with an important role in addressing the root causes of conflict, including bilateral and multilateral partners and non-governmental organizations, as well as representatives of civil society, young people and women.

In past years, we dedicated most of our efforts in this field to enhancing mediation in the Mediterranean region, especially by highlighting the priorities of actively engaging women and young people and respect for international law and the rule of law.

We try to address all aspects, not only economic factors. We invest in our people by encouraging women and youth to be active members in protecting our communities by empowering them and providing them with the necessary tools and opportunities.

We view peace prospects as directly linked to advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and to the international community’s continuous focus on strengthening human rights. As a strong supporter of greater involvement by women in preventing conflicts, we also place particular emphasis on the implementation of the women and peace and security agenda.

It begins with the inclusion in the text of its statements and resolutions of concepts emphasizing the inclusiveness of such a global approach. Whether it is women, children or minorities, a specific mention can make a difference.  Belgium also calls for women to play an active role in the mediation and conflict-resolution processes in their countries.

First, the imperative of investing political will and commitment in conflict prevention actions before, during, and after conflict; secondly, adequately addressing the underlying root causes of tensions and conflict; thirdly, the importance of peaceful dialogue to resolve conflicts; and, fourthly, the relevance and importance of proactively engaging women in peace processes.

To sustain peace, we need to include the whole of society without any kind of discrimination, in particular of women and young people. These two groups should have an opportunity to participate in an effective way.

When States and societies are fractured, we need to listen to civil society organizations and to ensure their participation in the achievement of lasting peace. Women must be involved at all stages along the peace continuum — from prevention to peace negotiations and post-conf lict governance.

The active participation of all segments of society, including women and youth, is fundamental to efforts to mitigate the potential drivers of conflict, as well as elements with a propensity to act as spoilers.

A nationally driven process should also encourage women and youth to play a greater role in fostering reconciliation and building the basis of a collective national vision of peace and prosperity.