Today, the UN Security Council held a briefing on advancing the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda, one of the signature events of the US’ December presidency. On behalf of Slovenia Ambassador Darja Bavdaž Kuret, Special Envoy on WPS, addressed the Council. She stressed the need to recognize the significant contribution of all women to peacebuilding and conflict resolution.

Special Envoy Bavdaž Kuret highlighted three key areas in advancing intergenerational leadership: fostering inclusive peace processes, supporting local women-led organizations and addressing sexual and gender-based violence.

Inclusive peace processes are of paramount importance in resolving conflicts. As UN Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo underscored: “If we do not break free from patriarchal norms, true peace and inclusive security will remain out of reach.” Hence, “Slovenia continues to call for the full, equal, meaningful and safe participation of women in peace and security processes, and decision-making at all levels. The diversity of women’s voices must be recognized, including those of older women,” the Special Envoy said. All this has led Slovenia to endorse this year’s Secretary-General’s Common Pledge on women’s participation in peace processes.

The Special Envoy also reiterated Slovenia’s support for local women-led organizations as “they have unique insights and solutions to the challenges of their communities.” Moreover, local women-led organizations are best placed to detect and understand the trends and changes that might lead to conflict.

Given that women remain disproportionally affected by conflicts, sexual and gender-based violence must be addressed. It is a particularly horrible crime, used as a method of war. “Addressing sexual and gender-based violence further calls for a survivor-centered response which must ensure access to sexual and reproductive health and rights,” concluded Special Envoy Bavdaž Kuret.

The WPS agenda is one of Slovenia’s priorities on the Council. Slovenia holds the view that women are much more than victims and survivors. They are agents of change and have an indispensable role in building and sustaining peace. As emphasized by the Special Envoy, we now need to move from rhetoric to action and leverage political capital to advance gender equality, including through investing in intergenerational leadership. 

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