Denmark

Two recent reports from the Secretary General on 'Women and Peace and Security' and on 'Women's participation in peacebuilding' point to some of the main prerequisites for ensuring that peace making, peace building and long term planning after conflict become sustainable through the full participation of women. Implementation of UNSCR 1325 has for the past 10 years been inadequate, but these two excellent reports, which we fully support, have taken us a big step forward by providing sound analysis as well as concrete recommendations which are ready to be implemented. The remaining piece in the puzzle seems to be a single comprehensive framework for the UN system - with clarification of roles and responsibilities of the various UN actors and with clear and measurable goals, targets and indicators. Obviously, the newly developed indicators presented in the Secretary General's report on UNSCR 1325 should guide not only the work of the UN but also Member States, regional organizations and civil society who have equally important roles to play when it comes to advancing this landmark resolution.

The conference will build on the concrete know-how from a number of countries that experience or have experienced conflict, including Afghanistan, Liberia and Uganda. One concrete example of how we have chosen to improve the conditions of women in a conflict zone is our ongoing work in support of women's networks and organisations in Afghanistan. Women's right to justice, strengthening the rule of law and strengthening civil society at the provincial level are fundamental tools in combating the negative impacts that the armed conflict has had on women in Afghanistan. These women's networks help build the basis on which women can play an active and constructive part in addressing the peace, reconciliation and reintegration process in the country.

As part of our international outreach Denmark and the United States will co-host an international conference on "Role of Women in Global Security» in Copenhagen on 29 and 30 October. The conference will gather political, military, business and civil society leaders and experts to share best practices and discuss how to expand and effectuate women's key roles in peacemaking and peacekeeping and in security-related activities. The goal of the conference is to help us all walk new avenues to enhance and improve women's vital role in the critical political, military and economic processes leading to sustainable peace and security.