Bangladesh calls for stronger women-led action on peace and security
DHAKA, Sept 24: State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam has called for stronger participation of women in peace processes and decision-making, alongside greater accountability for violations against women.
She made the call while representing Bangladesh at the annual ministerial meeting of the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Focal Points Network at the UN Headquarters in New York.
The meeting was convened by the Philippines, Italy and UN Women on the sidelines of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly. It marked the 25th anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security, with discussions focusing on strengthening its implementation and accountability.
Recalling Bangladesh’s pioneering role in supporting Resolution 1325 as an elected member of the UN Security Council in 2000, Shama Obaed reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to ensuring women’s meaningful participation in decision-making.
She called for stronger women-led early warning and mediation mechanisms, greater participation of women in peace processes, and the integration of the WPS agenda into climate and humanitarian action.
The state minister also stressed the need for stronger accountability for violations against women.
She highlighted Bangladesh’s ongoing efforts to develop its second National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security.
Shama Obaed also presented the Dhaka Dialogue, a Bangladesh-led initiative addressing digital harassment and AI-enabled abuse against women. She invited member states to join its forthcoming Group of Friends.
The meeting brought together ministers and senior representatives from different countries to strengthen implementation of the UN Women, Peace and Security agenda and advance women’s leadership in peace and security.
