Last month, in its presidential statement S/PRST/2012/23, the Security Counci...

Last month, in its presidential statement S/PRST/2012/23, the Security Council underlined the importance of enhancing the participation of women in the prevention and resolution of conflict and in peacebuilding within the framework of the women and peace and security agenda. Today, I would like to affirm, from the extensive field experience of the Department of Peacekeeping Operations and the Department of Field Support, that women indeed can and must play a leading role in political participation, conflict resolution and the transition from conflict to peace. I will further illustrate how our missions support the role of women in building peace and women's civil society organizations in protecting women's rights. And lastly, I hope to chart a path forward for overcoming the political obstacles and security threats that impede women's groups from more effective engagement in conflict prevention and peace consolidation.