Media advisory: Open debate and side events on UN Security Council resolution 1325 on women, peace and security

As the international community marks the 23rd anniversary of the resolution, the participation of women in peace processes around the world remains low, despite the continuing disproportionate impact of conflict on women and girls. More than 600 million women and girls lived in conflict-affected countries in 2022, a 50-per-cent increase since 2017. Civilians around the world need greater humanitarian aid than ever before, but countries are instead increasing military spending, which topped USD 2.2 trillion in 2022.

In the context of the open debate, UN Women together with partners will host a number of events that will bring together women leaders, peacemakers, activists, and women human rights defenders to advocate for conflict prevention and resolution and for building and sustaining peace.

UN Security Council open debate

When: Wednesday, 25 October 2023 | 10am EDT
Where: UN Headquarters, Security Council Chamber, and online: UN Web TV.

The Security Council is scheduled to hold its annual open debate on WPS under the theme, “Women’s participation in international peace and security: From theory to practice”. The UN Secretary-General’s report on WPS is expected to be launched ahead of the debate. More information will be available here.

Peace Begins with Her | Inside Out Project

When: Wednesday, 25 October 2023 | 10am–3pm EDT
Where: UN Headquarters, public entrance (46th Street and 1st Avenue)

An interactive event as part of the “Peace Begins with Her” campaign with the Inside Out Project, a public art initiative created by award-winning street artist JR. In front of the UN Headquarters public entrance (46th Street and 1st Avenue), 50 large-sized portraits of women peacekeepers and peacebuilders will be on display to highlight their courage and commitment. There will be a photo booth where the public can have their portraits taken to show solidarity for lasting peace and gender equality. More information on the event is available here, and digital assets can be downloaded here.

Invest-in-Women Global Summit: Interactive Civil Society Dialogues – Turning Commitment into Action

When: Thursday, 26 October 2023| 10am–1pm EDT
Where: UN Headquarters (registration required), and online via UN Web TV and across WPHF social media channels

The United Nations Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund (WPHF) is holding its Invest-In-Women Global Summit on the side-lines of the open debate to scale up financial commitments for women and their local civil society organizations on the front lines.

Documentary screening: ‘When the waters flow as one: A women and peace security story’

When: Thursday, 26 October 2023| 6.30pm EDT
Where: Cinema 123 by Angelica, 1001 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10022, USA. Free registration.

“When the waters flow as one: A women and peace security story” was developed by UN Women in Colombia, thanks to the support of the Swedish Embassy and in coordination with the recently completed Truth Commission in Colombia.