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Secretary-General's video message to High-Level Event of the Women, Peace and Security Focal Points Network

30 Oct 2020

“20 YEARS AFTER UN SECURITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION 1325: LEADERSHIP AND CONCRETE ACTION TO REALIZE THE WOMEN, PEACE AND SECURITY AGENDA”

I send my warmest greetings to this High-Level Event.

Over the two decades since Security Council Resolution 1325, there have been notable achievements on women, peace and security.

But progress is too slow, too narrow, and too easy to reverse.

My report this year on women, peace and security calls for women’s full and equal involvement from the earliest stages in every peace and political process that the UN supports.

It urges an end to the constant upward trend of global military spending, and appeals for increased support for gender equality in countries affected by conflict.

I welcome your focus on women’s leadership and concrete action, which are critical to the success of the Women, Peace and Security agenda.

Your network is an important forum for data-driven analysis and collaboration.

I thank you for your commitment and send you best wishes for fruitful discussions.