NUR-SULTAN, Kazakhstan

On 21 April 2022, SRSG Natalia Gherman, participated in the round table “Topical issues of Women,  Peace and Security in Central Asia” organised by the Majilis of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The event chaired by Ms. Balaim Kessebayeva, Deputy Speaker of the Majilis, was held with participation of the Members of Parliament, Ministers of the Kazakh Government, representatives of international organizations and diplomatic community.

In her opening remarks, SRSG Gherman emphasized the importance of implementation of the UN Security Council Resolution 1325 to ensure equal participation of women in all processes and efforts to promote peace and security. She mentioned the reasons of regress in the implementation of the 1325 resolution at the global level and pertinent recommendations to improve the situation, contained in the reports of the UN Secretary General. SRSG also highlighted important UN practices to promote gender equality and participation through the strategy of Gender Parity; annual open debates in the Security Council and mandatory inclusion of women in all peace processes facilitated by the UN.

Focusing on the situation in Central Asia, SRSG Gherman underlined the progress of all countries in the adoption of legislation ensuring gender equality and women's participation including in government and law enforcement structures. In this context she highlighted the role of the Central Asian Women Leaders’ Caucus in promoting gender oriented policies and programmes in the region.

Ms. Balaim Kessebayeva stressed the progress of Kazakhstan in addressing issues of gender equality, including the country’s contribution in implementation of the UN Resolution 1325 and adoption of the Concept of Family and Gender Policy until 2030. She also emphasized the need for greater efforts to ensure equal participation of women in the political life of the country, their equal representation in decision–making processes at all levels.

Other high-level participants, including Human Rights Commissioner Ms. Azimova, First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Rakhmetullin, Deputy Minister of Defense Mr. Kamaletdinov and Deputy Minister of Information and Social Development Mr. Danilov informed the participants about the governmental efforts to ensure full and effective participation of women in implementation of the new political agenda in Kazakhstan.

The round table was followed by the bilateral meeting of SRSG Gherman and Deputy Speaker of Majilis Ms. Kessebayeva. The SRSG commended Kazakhstan for constructive cooperation with the United Nations. The interlocutors exchanged views on the latest activities within the Women Leaders’ Caucus initiative and the UN’s assistance for the implementation of the 1325 resolution National Action Plan.