Statement by Finland on behalf of the Nordic countries at the Arria Formula Meeting on 'Ensuring the Full, Equal and Meaningful Participation of Women in UN-led Peace Processes' 8 March 2021

Read the statement by Finland on behalf of the Nordic countries at the Arria Formula Meeting on 'Ensuring the Full, Equal and Meaningful Participation of Women in UN-led Peace Processes' delivered by H.E. Mr. Jukka Salovaara, Permanent Representative of Finland to the UN on March 8th, 2021.

Thank you Mister/Madam Chair

I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic Countries, Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Sweden and my own country Finland.

Today we celebrate the intrinsic value of women’s full, equal and meaningful participation, and its crucial benefits for our societies. Without women, there can be no inclusive and sustainable peace. Unfortunately, inclusive peace processes are still a rare exception. We need concrete steps to change that.

We fully support the Secretary-General’s System-Wide Gender Parity Strategy, and welcome his Call to Action to Advance Women’s Role in Transforming Peace and Security. We reiterate our call for concrete steps to make women’s full, equal and meaningful participation a requirement in all mediation teams, political transitions and peace processes that the UN leads or co-leads.

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The Nordics work hard to enhance the implementation of the WPS agenda.

We commit to including the views and competences of women living in conflict or crisis-affected areas, in all peace and conflict resolution efforts. At the Security Council, briefings from women civil society representatives lead to better-informed decisions.

We pay attention to linking formal and informal processes and ensuring a gender focus in all stages of the peace and conflict continuum. Regular consultations with women’s organizations are crucial, and their recommendations must be followed up and acted upon, including in the Security Council. The Nordics continue efforts to strengthen mandates and to monitor that they translate into concrete action on the ground.

Gender analysis and gender disaggregated data in reporting from conflict situations are another imperative. Security sector reform, disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration processes must include a gender perspective in order to achieve inclusive transitions.

We emphasize the need for sustainable funding and call for increased official development assistance to promote women’s participation and leadership in building and sustaining peace. To that end, the Nordics will secure sustainable and long-term investments to promote women’s and girls’ rights, including civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights.

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The Global Alliance of Regional Women Mediator Networks is one example illustrating the vast number of women with relevant expertise and experience. Women, including young women, are strong agents for positive change. Their potential and participation is required in all peace negotiation delegations and relevant mechanisms for the implementation of peace agreements.

We call on the UN to ensure that Special Envoys and Special Representatives take steps towards women’s systematic inclusion in peace processes, for example by urging parties in a conflict to include women in their delegations and by consulting regularly with women’s civil society groups. Gender Advisors should be appointed in all missions. Training and practical guidance are a must.

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Our to-do list is long. We must urgently act on our promises and make women’s leadership and meaningful participation in peace processes a norm, not an exception.

Thank you and let us keep the focus on this important topic – not only on the International Women’s Day but consistently, throughout the year!