The Arab Spring has shown that the threats to security and to women and girls...

The Arab Spring has shown that the threats to security and to women and girls in particular are changing constantly. In our work on Women, Peace and Security we must be flexible enough to respond to new threats and challenges as they emerge. There are sweeping and positive social and economic trends at work. This Council needs to show that we are responsive to these trends. On this, as on other issues, we should demonstrate that we are on the right side of history. In particular, we must ensure that new governing structures that emerge in the aftermath of conflict do not undermine women's roles and participation in society, and that the same opportunities are available to men and women.