It is a responsibility of United Nations bodies and subregional and regional organizations, which must further strengthen the use of women's peacemaking and negotiating talents. That means, inter alia, enlarging the female component of representatives, envoys and heads of offices — all key elements of the good offices of those organizations, without forgetting an increase in the number of women decision makers at all levels.

The involvement of women involves a collective and shared responsibility. It is an individual responsibility, for we must rid ourselves of certain prejudices and other demeaning concepts regarding the place and role of women in society. Indeed, it is no secret that the challenge of socio-cultural inertia in this regard is often one of the most difficult challenges to take on.

My delegation pays tribute to the pertinence of the recommendations in the Secretary-General's report regarding accelerating he full implementation of resolution 1325 (2000). Those that address the Security Council deserve the greatest attention, given the role this body plays in the maintenance of international peace and security.

It is now recognized that the systematic involvement of women in negotiation and mediation efforts, in the elaboration of peace agreements and in reconstruction and reconciliations strategies is essential. The Security Council has reaffirmed that on many occasions. It did so quite recently, on 23 September, on the occasion of its 5979th meeting, the high-level meeting on mediation as a peaceful way to settle conflicts.

However, significant as that progress is, it cannot mask the reality — the reality that the results of women's participation in peacekeeping and peacebuilding is far from what was expected and that many challenges, such as sexual violence of all types and impunity, remain to be met before resolution 1325 (2000) is truly and fully implemented.

The regular review of the state of implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) testifies to the interest of the Security Council and the international community in this important issue.

With this debate, United Nations Members, international organizations and other stakeholders will jointly take stock of and set out measures to enhance the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000).

This debate is of great significance in preparing for the review of 10 years of the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000), on women and peace and security, adopted by the Security Council in 2000. That resolution has the profoundly humane objective of protecting women and children, including girls, who are the most vulnerable and most heavily affected in conflicts and wars.

Thirdly, the United Nations system has a special role to play in conflict settlement and post-conflict reconstruction, as mandated by the Member States. It has gained experience and knowledge in various fields. It is essential to promote local governments and people's ownership. Assistance may take different forms depending on the specific conditions of each country.

The enormous international efforts, including those of the United Nations, to promote the implementation of resolutions 1325 (2000) and 1820 (2008) and of the relevant presidential statements of the Security Council have produced positive results. Of primary significance is the greater recognition that the maintenance of peace and security requires measures to meet the needs of women.