Implementation

Despite the intensified efforts made in the past decade, there remain major analytical gaps, and globally women account for only 2 per cent of military peacekeeping personnel. Another question is on how processed information can be compared among different country situations. We should also bear in mind that the structure and resourcing capabilities of UN Women will come into effect only on 1 January 2011.

We hold the view that the slow progress of Member States in fully implementing resolution 1325 (2000) is the result of poor monitoring, lack of awareness at the national, regional and international levels, lack of capacity to operationalize the resolution, compartmentalization of issues raised by the resolution, poor coordination among various security sectors, and poor funding and stereotyping of the resolution as a women-only tool.

It is our belief that resolution 1325 (2000) will further enhance our country's strong traditions on issues of peace and security, as exemplified through our support of peace missions and the activities of the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre.

Ghana welcomes the findings of the Secretary- General's report, which acknowledges the growing participation of women in decision-making and in peacekeeping operations, as well as the key role played by civil society in keeping critical issues on the development agenda and supporting women peacemakers in conflict areas.

Although the 2008-2009 System-wide Action Plan was credible in terms of strengthening results based management, it had design and development weaknesses that will require extensive consultations and redesigning.

We would therefore like to commend the Secretary General for his very comprehensive and substantial report, especially his clear and action-oriented recommendations on the implementation of the resolution.We fully share his analysis on the still existing gaps and the necessity to introduce indicators and an adequate monitoring mechanism.

To achieve progress in these areas, Germany will set up a list of national and international priority initiatives. We will also continue to support international organizations and NGOs in promoting womens empowerment.

The new USG, Ms Bachelet, whom I warmly congratulate, has our fullest support for the challenging task laying ahead of her. Mr. President, I am confident that with the realization of all the commitments made today we can and we hopefully will - achieve real progress in meeting the challenges ahead of us.

It is time to move towards more concrete action. What can member states and the United Nations as a whole do?The German Government will shortly present it's third implementation report on resolution 1325 to Parliament.

Besides action being undertaken by member states, the United Nations as a whole has an important role to play in the implementation of resolution 1325.We are of the opinion that partnerships between member states and between member states and the United Nations are crucial.