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STATEMENT BY

MS. NUR AZURA ABD KARIM

COUNSELLOR, PERMANENT MISSION OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS

 

AT THE ANNUAL UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL OPEN DEBATE

 

ON WOMEN, PEACE, AND SECURITY: WOMEN BUILDING PEACE IN A CHANGING ENVIRONMENT

 

Thank you, Madam President,

 

At the outset, allow me to express our gratitude to you, Madam, for convening today’s open debate, which is indeed timely.  I wish to take this opportunity to thank the briefers for their invaluable insights on today’s topic.

 

Madam President,

 

2. Malaysia is dedicated to advancing the goals of the WPS agenda, particularly through the implementation of UNSC Resolution 1325. Our national policies and strategies prioritize increasing women's participation in all levels of decision-making, safeguarding their rights, empowering them, and promoting gender equality.

 

3. Malaysia takes pride in its unwavering commitment to ensuring women's full, effective, and meaningful participation in peacekeeping and peace processes. Recently, we made a significant advancement by deploying our largest contingent of women peacekeepers serving under the UN banner in Lebanon, comprising 85 women personnel in line with the Uniformed Gender Parity Strategy (UGPS). This achievement not only demonstrates our commitment but also establishes a benchmark for gender equality in peacekeeping missions.

 

4. Women peacekeepers, with their ability to take on a variety of roles and responsibilities, have been able to enhance the overall effectiveness of peacekeeping missions. They play essential roles toward achieving sustainable political solutions to conflicts. Furthermore, we believe that peacekeeping missions and operations must ensure a sufficient presence of women peacekeepers. This is essential for effectively responding to and preventing incidents of sexual and gender-based violence in conflict zones.

 

 

5. To this end, Malaysian peacekeepers undergo continuous training, including training on preventing sexual exploitation and abuse, as part of their pre-deployment preparation.

 

6.Malaysia recognizes the crucial role of women in fostering sustainable peace, and fully supports prioritizing women’s participation in peace processes and mediation efforts. We believe that increasing women’s representation in decision-making positions leads to the creation of comprehensive, gender-inclusive policies that benefit communities, organizations and states.

 

7. Malaysia believes that women’s involvement in peace processes and political solutions is not an option, but is a necessity.  Peace agreements tend to be more sustainable and effective with the active participation, and leadership, of women.  Women’s participation offers unique perspectives that promote inclusivity, foster reconciliation, and prioritize essential needs like education, healthcare, and social cohesion.  

 

8.In conclusion, Malaysia reiterates that peace depends on justice and inclusion. We must ensure that women’s voices are heard and acted upon in the negotiation rooms where decisions about peace are made. As we strive towards a more peaceful, secure, and just world, let us unite to make women’s participation in peace processes the norm, not the exception.

 

 

I thank you.