Madam President,

I thank the Swiss Presidency for convening this important debate.

I also thank Deputy Secretary General, Executive Director of UN Women and the briefers.

The Women, Peace, and Security agenda is a critical tool for conflict prevention and resolution, as well as for peacebuilding and sustaining peace.

We must not forget that women bear the brunt of conflicts.

They are disproportionately affected by violence, displacement, and instability, and yet, their voices remain marginalized in the very processes aimed at resolving these crises.

Women and girls in various parts of the world continue to suffer immensely as conflicts intensify.

The situation in the Middle East as well as Ukraine, Afghanistan, Sudan and other regions indicate how the advances of the “Women, Peace and Security” agenda can easily be rolled back.

As the humanitarian toll in Gaza is staggering, women and girls have been gravely impacted. Thousands have been either displaced, widowed, starved or killed.

Madam President,

The UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security requires more robust implementation and accountability to address this imbalance.

The absence of women’s meaningful participation in peace processes remains a significant challenge to conflict resolution.

We are pleased to see that in the recently adopted “Pact for the Future” a designated action (Action 19) underlines the political will of member states to accelerate the implementation of their WPS commitments.

Türkiye is among the leading countries actively promoting awareness of the importance of women’s participation in peace processes.

As the co-chair of "Group of Friends of Mediation" we prioritize highlighting the role of women in mediation efforts.

In this respect, Türkiye welcomes and endorses the Secretary-General’s campaign for a “Common Pledge to Increase Women’s Full, Equal, and Meaningful Participation in Peace Processes” by global mediation actors.

This goal is rooted in the principles of equality and non-discrimination enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations.

As a matter of fact, female Turkish diplomats have been playing an active role in Türkiye's previous and ongoing mediation efforts.

We consistently emphasize the importance of women’s participation in peace processes at the annually organized Antalya Diplomacy Forum and Istanbul Mediation Conferences.

Furthermore, at the annual Mediation for Peace Certificate Programs, we underline the importance of women’s role in mediation.

Madam President,

To reverse the current negative trend on women’s participation in peace processes, further initiatives could be undertaken by the UN, regional organizations, and member states.

In this direction, regular and transparent reporting mechanisms that track women’s involvement in peace processes, conflict prevention, and post-conflict reconstruction should be strengthened.

All actors should also invest in capacity-building programs for women at all levels to equip them with the tools to engage in peace negotiations effectively.

Public campaigns, both at the grassroots and international levels, can increase awareness and build broader societal support for women’s inclusion in peacebuilding.

Türkiye will continue to advocate for the inclusion of women in peace processes at every opportunity.

I thank you.