Implementation

It can be done. Before initiating our Plan in (September) 2007, women formed 19% of our seconded experts deployed in civilian positions of peace operations. Through consistent efforts we have increased the proportion to a high of 34% last August.

Increasing the amount of women also in the highest positions can wait no longer. The United Nations regional organisations have a responsibility to set examples and promote gender-equality, while Member states have a responsibility to provide and support female candidates. Accordingly, Finland commits to increasingly
nominating female candidates.

Including the civil society in implementation of 1325 is vital. For its own part, Finland actively seeks advice and forms partnerships with NGOs in implementing its National Action Plan. For example in our National Anniversary Seminar, held in Helsinki last Friday, our President, Foreign Minister and myself were honoured to hear from Special Representative Margot Wallstrom and also from representatives of the civil society.

Finland believes that conflict prevention, mediation, and peaceful settlement of disputes should occupy a more central place in the peace and security agenda of the United Nations. Equal and effective participation of women at all stages and at all levels of peace processes is an integral part of our policies. For example, Finland supports the African Union in strengthening its mediation capacities.

Finland also gives financial support to several NGOs working in the area of Women, Peace and Security. As an example of this is Femmes Africa Soiidarite, which among other invaluable activities supports drafting of National Action Plans, including a Regional Action Plan for the Great Lakes Region in Africa.

Finland aligns itself with the statement of the European Union to be delivered later today. In addition, I wish to offer some insights into what Finland has done and learnt during the past decade, and commit ourselves to future action with regard to: Participation of Women at all stages and all levels of peace processes, peacekeeping, peacebuilding and

Despite substantial efforts, there is no place for complacency. We hope that the next decade will be one of more strategic and systematic action, improved accountability, and measurable progress. The recommendations and the comprehensive set of indicators in the Secretary General's report on Women, Peace and Security provide a tool for accountability.

In closing let me repeat our hope that the next decade will be one of strategic and systematic action, accountability, and measurable progress. We look to this Council and to you, Mr. Secretary-General, for continued leadership, and to the newly established UN WOMEN and the whole of the UN system for enhanced action. You have our full support.

We consider this event to be an important opportunity to take stock of achievements, best practices and lessons learned. It is an important step towards achieving the intent of the resolution.

On a more positive note, we welcome with appreciation the initiative of the Security Council and the work carried out by the Secretary-General in establishing the set of indicators, which will not only track the implementation of the resolution, but also serve as a guide for all Member States in their efforts to achieve its goals.