Security Council Open Debate on "Women, Peace and Security" (13-14.10.2015), Statement by Ambassador Dr. Catherine Boura, Permanent Representative of Greece to the United Nations

Mister President,

I would like to thank the Spanish Presidency for taking the initiative to organize this important Debate on the occasion of the 15th anniversary of the Security Council Resolution 1325 and the High Level Review of its implementation.

I welcome the thought-provoking remarks made by the UN Secretary General, the Prime Minister of Spain, the UN Women Executive Director and all the high dignitaries that honoured this Open Debate with their participation.

Greece aligns itself with the statement delivered by the European Union and wishes to add the following from a national point of view:

Over the past fifteen years, there have been seven Security Council Resolutions demonstrating the international commitment to the principles of protection, prevention, participation and gender mainstreaming. Yet, despite progress at the normative level, fifteen years after the establishment of the Women Peace and Security Agenda, women continue to remain largely excluded from peace, security and political processes, while women leaders and human rights defenders are still being targeted.

We particularly welcome today’s Resolution which we have proudly co-sponsored. The High Level Review of the implementation of Security Council Resolution 1325 will provide a roadmap to accelerate the implementation of the Women, Peace and Security agenda and to address the new challenges, such as the rise in violent extremism, the humanitarian crises and the growing refugee and migration flows. 

However, much more needs to be done to translate normative progress into results on the ground. We should strive to change the traditional conceptual framework in which “security” tends to be a man’s narrative. Recognizing that women participation in all peace and security efforts offers important advantages is crucial for achieving progress on the issue. Gender inclusive peacekeeping, peace making and peace building can contribute effectively to the maintenance of international peace and security. Women need to be included in the decision making of all stages of conflict resolution and post-conflict reconciliation processes.

Greece is strongly committed to actively promote, in law and in practice, women’s participation in peace building and mediation efforts. It is our priority to tackle under-representation of women in political decision making with a view to attaining a more balanced participation of women and men in all institutions, including the military and the police. In this context, we have been in close dialogue with civil society concerning the role of women in conflict and post-conflict situations in order to promote women’s leadership in all relevant initiatives.

These major priorities have been incorporated into our National Programme of Action for Substantive Gender Equality which covers a wide range of public policies at national and regional levels, aiming at empowering women and girls and promoting their participation in all policy fields on an equal basis. The National Programme of Action focuses on specific actions targeting thematic areas, where women and girls are under-represented or mostly affected, such as violence, employment and decision making.

Based on the National Programme of Action, the Greek General Secretariat for Gender Equality monitors all national policies at government, regional and local levels and assesses their impact on gender by rating their results. The follow-up and evaluation of such policies will be based on statistical data and the development of gender indicators according to the UN and EU criteria. A range of 8 strategic priorities will guide the structural funds for gender equality, especially aimed at the protection of women against the economic crisis, unemployment, poverty and exclusion.

Mister President,

15 years after Security Council Resolution 1325 and 20 years after the Beijing Declaration we sincerely hope that we can fulfill the expectations to redouble our efforts for gender equality. Women’s role is critical for resolving conflicts, fostering peace and promoting reconciliation. No society can achieve peace if half of its population is left behind.

Thank you for your attention.