Peacekeeping

“Our peace leadership is further reaffirmed through our support to the UN as a top troops and police contributing country in its peacekeeping endeavours. We have so far contributed 128,133 peacekeepers in 54 peace Missions. Bangladesh proudly contributes the highest number of women police to UN peacekeeping commensurate with our women empowerment credentials.”

“As a responsible member of the international community, Nepal will continue to participate in the peacekeeping operations and promote gender equality through the increased participation of women in peacekeeping, with greater commitment and dedication.”

I take this opportunity to pay tribute to the valiant women and men who serve the cause of peace worldwide. Many of them, including Romanians, lost their lives or were wounded in mission. Our deepest gratitude and respect for them!

In this World of Change, the UN's indispensable role is reflected in the tireless and courageous work of thousands of its staff members and collaborators. Civilians and men and women in uniform, from the military and the police, play a fundamental role in peace operations to protect civilians, avoid an escalation of conflicts and create the necessary space and time for political negotiations to bear fruit.

The Philippine Government recognizes women as agent of socio-economic growth and change and thus strongly advocates their full participation in nation building.

Uruguay reaffirms its commitment to peacekeeping operations and to the strictest enforcement of mandates and standards regulating the conduct of field personnel.

Following the 2008 general elections, women's participation in politics increased with their election to 12,828 reserved seats in local government and 64 members in the parliament. We also have five women cabinet ministers (in charge of Agriculture, Home, foreign Affairs, Women and Children Affairs, and Labor), a female Opposition Leader, the Deputy Leader, a female Whip, and of course, the Prime Minister is a woman.

To demonstrate our strong commitment to conflict resolution, Bangladesh has partnered in many of UN's endeavors for peace, democracy and development. Our contribution to UN peacekeeping has so far been 102, 294 peacekeepers in 52 missions and 36 countries. This included the sad loss of life of 103 brave Bangladeshis. Our involvement also includes UN's first ever all women police unit in Haiti.

In conclusion, and as we celebrate the centenary of International Women's Day this year, we are to take more advantage of the potentials and talents of half of the humanity, and not just seek to consecrate gender equality in principle.

Their efforts should be appreciated and fully supported by the international community. I want to also pay tribute to the brave men and women of all ISAF contributing nations, including the 600 odd Bulgarian troops who risk their lives to bring security to the people of Afghanistan.