The Republic of Korea urges Member States and the Untied Nations to take more vigorous initiatives to ensure that women are engaged in all levels of decision-making. In that regard, we commend Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's response to the call in resolution 1325 (2000) to increase the number of women in senior positions within the United Nations, especially in peacekeeping operations. It is encouraging to see three women heads of mission, six women deputies in the field and five female under- secretaries-general and assistant secretaries-general in the Department of Peacekeeping Operations. We encourage the Secretary-General to further strengthen this positive trend, and we hope that his efforts are emulated in peace negotiations and reconstruction processes at the country level by ensuring the full participation of women.