Preventing Conflict; Transforming Justice; Securing Peace, An Overview of the Official Launch of the Global Study

By: Charlette Lopez, UN Monitor Intern


Photo by Ghazal Rahmanpanah; The Global Study launch October 14, 2015

On Wednesday 14 October, the Global Study on the Implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325, was officially launched at an event co-hosted by UN Women and the United Arab Emirates. Speakers included global study lead author Radhika Coomaraswamy, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon, UN Women Executive Director Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, and Leymah Gbowee (Liberia) among others.

In presenting her the global study recommendations, Radhika Coomaraswamy reflected on the inclusive development of the Global Study, and drew attention to the need  reduce militarism and strengthen civil society. Leymah Gbowee reiterated calls for our focus to be on ending war. She cautioned the international community to have a long view, so that our work today invests in conflict prevention and women’s leadership, so that in 15 years, “we will not be here discussing the lack of political will.”

The event then transitioned into being a donor conference, where a handful of countries and entities making financial and other commitments aimed at furthering the Women, Peace and Security Agenda. Contributors included: Australia, Austria, Estonia, Guatemala, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and also NATO. While financial commitments are critical for action, WILPF notes with concern that many were reiterations of existing financial commitments (rather than new money), and many were oriented at countering violent extremism or terrorism, which risks militarising and actively undermining the Women, Peace and Security agenda.

For PeaceWomen’s coverage of the Global Study launch on Women, Peace and Security Agenda, please see here.