Introductory Remarks by Minister Of Foreign Affairs Nikos Christodoulides, at the Presentation of the National Action Plan on the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 "Women, Peace and Security"
[The presentation was broadcast live on the Foreign Ministry's Facebook page. Video of the entire presentation, with English subtitles, will be made available for watching on this page soon - in place of the video appearing currently below]
Ladies and gentlemen,
It is with great pleasure that I host the Commissioner for Gender Equality, Ms. Antoniou, today at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in order to officially present the adoption of the National Action Plan for Women, Peace and Security, which has recently been approved by the Council of Ministers, and to inform the public about this Plan, which aims at the implementation of the Security Council Resolution 1325 "Women, Peace and Security".
Dear Friends,
As you know, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs we have integrated the gender dimension in our foreign policy priorities with a vies to strengthening women's rights and promoting gender equality in our foreign policy, while aiming, through related actions, at building and enhancing cooperation with other countries at regional and European level.
This integration is reflected for instance in the active and institutional participation of Cyprus in policy-making related to gender equality at European Union and United Nations level, as well as in our regular and meaningful participation in international forums and high-level discussions and conferences on the subject, demonstrating in practice and in a tangible way our commitment to the promotion of equality.
At the same time, in the context of gender mainstreaming in the development and humanitarian policy of the Republic of Cyprus, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs actively supports a number of programs and actions related to women's rights in neighboring countries, such as Jordan, Lebanon and Palestine, where specific programs are already being implemented.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs makes efforts to expand bilateral cooperation in fostering equality. Specifically, in cooperation with the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, an action is planned for September 2021, aimed at the exchange of knowledge and practices in relation to the implementation of Resolution 1325 "Women, Peace and Security", while at the same time we are engaging in a dialogue with the Spanish Foreign Ministry to plan actions for the advancement of women's rights.
In this context, the implementation of Security Council Resolution 1325 "Women, Peace and Security", with the adoption of a specific National Action Plan, is among other, an integral part and an important tool of the Foreign Policy of the Republic of Cyprus.
It is worth mentioning that the Plan that will be presented to you in more detail in a few minutes, has been formulated through public and very constructive, I must say, consultations with all the relevant Ministries and Civil Society, under the coordination of the Office of the Equality Commissioner, and is a comprehensive plan comprising four main pillars:
- Participation and Empowerment,
- Protection,
- Prevention, and
- Promotion and Information on the Resolution.
Within the framework set by these key pillars, a series of targeted actions are foreseen, which will be monitored and evaluated systematically.
By recognizing the disproportionate and different impact of war on women and girls, the aim is to highlight the role of women in conflict prevention and resolution, but also in peacebuilding. More specifically, the Action Plan sets the framework for a coherent, horizontal policy, which creates appropriate synergies between stakeholders and aims to further strengthen cooperation in order to address existing weaknesses and provide effective protection there and wherever it is needed.
I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, considers gender mainstreaming in foreign policy a key priority and therefore, has already set up a Gender Mainstreaming Unit, and has established and is currently implementing an Action Framework for Equality between Women and Men under the name “Gender Mainstreaming in Foreign Policy 2019-2023 ". Through this Framework of Action, a series of actions are laid down and implemented, which also concern the implementation of Resolution 1325 within the framework of our foreign policy.
Finally, it is important to note that the positive outcome of the implementation of Resolution 1325 is not limited to the protection and promotion of women's human rights, but at the same time reinforces the effort for full and effective equality, which undoubtedly contributes to the well-being of societies as a whole and to economic growth, creating the basis and prospects for sustainable development.
Thank you for your attention.