UN
UNRCCA PARTICIPATES IN THE REGIONAL FORUM ON IMPLEMENTATION OF UNSCR 1325 “WOMEN, PEACE AND SECURITY” IN CENTRAL ASIA
Almaty, Kazakhstan
On 16 October, SRSG Kaha Imnadze took part in the Regional Forum on the implementation of the UN Security Council Resolution 1325 in Central Asia, jointly organized by the Majilis of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan and UN Women.
The event was held within the framework of the Central Asia Women Leaders’ Caucus (CAWLC) launched in 2020 with the support of UNRCCA, UNDP and UN Women to boost political, economic and social participation of women in Central Asia.
Attended by the representatives of the CAWLC, international organizations and leaders of the women’s civil society organizations from all five Central Asian States, the Forum aimed to consolidate efforts of different actors on implementation of the WPS agenda and contribute to the development of a regional approach to issues pertaining to participation of women in peacebuilding processes. It was also intended to determine major areas for co-operation between CAWLC and civil society.
Opening the Forum, Deputy Chairperson of Majilis of the Parliament of Kazakhstan and the current Chair of the Central Asia Women Leaders’ Caucus Ms. Dania Espayeva stressed that: “…women’s leadership at all levels is essential for advancing transformational changes, leading to sustainable peace and security.
Addressing the Forum, SRSG Kaha Imnadze emphasized the particular pertinence of the Resolution 1325 at the global level against the backdrop of increased geopolitical
confrontation and recurring crises. He called on a range of actors in the field of WPS to consolidate efforts to address the gaps in implementation of the 1325 resolution across the region. He emphasized the important role of CAWLC and in advocating and spearheading policies, advancing women’s participation in countering transnational threats and peacebuilding processes across Central Asia.
The conference included a dedicated session – “Open Day for Peace Dialogue”, for an interactive exchange with the civil society on the challenges to implementation of the WPS agenda at the national and regional levels. The civil society organizations, including representatives from Afghanistan, presented recommendations to the UN and CAWLC on a wide spectrum of issues regarding women’s participation and representation, prevention of gender-based violence, financing of 1325 National Action Plans and enhancing women’s role in countering transnational threats. They also encouraged CAWLC to support initiatives involving women and girls from Afghanistan.
Appreciating the recommendations from the civil society, the SRSG noted: ‘’…localization of WPS NAPs and peacebuilding processes in general is critical for achieving progress in implementation of 1325 and attaining sustainable peace and security in the region”.
In the course of his visit to Almaty, SRSG Imnadze held meetings with international organizations and the UN country team, including the tour of the UN premises, generously offered and guided by Kazakhstan’s prominent diplomat, and the first Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Akmaral Arystanbekova.
Read more about the Central Asia Women Leaders’ Caucus:
