Media Advisory: Press Conference on 15th anniversary of Security Council resolution 1325 and new Global Study on women, peace and security

Media Contacts:

Oisika Chakrabarti, Ph: +1 646 781-4522; Email: oisika.chakrabarti[@]unwomen.org
Sharon Grobeisen, Ph: +1 646 781-4753; Email: sharon.grobeisen[@]unwomen.org
Zina Alam, Ph: +1 646 781 4783; Email: zina.alam[@]unwomen.org

WHAT: Violence and conflict is costing the planet over 14 trillion dollars [1], with extremists placing the subordination of women at the centre of their ideology and war tactics. New research shows that peace endures when women can participate meaningfully in peace talks, and States are more resilient to conflict and extremism where gender equality is prioritized. On the eve of the UN Security Council’s High-level Review on the women, peace and security agenda, and to commemorate the 15^th anniversary of landmark Security Council resolution 1325 (2000), UN Women Executive Director Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka will brief the press on critical actions needed to counter escalating conflict and violent extremism in the world today, highlighting the evidence base that shows the urgent need to place gender equality at the heart of peace and security interventions.

Joining the press conference will be Radhika Coomaraswamy, independent lead author of the Global Study on the implementation of resolution 1325, a comprehensive new report commissioned by the UN Secretary-General in preparation for the 15^th anniversary review. The report brings together a growing body of research which unquestionably demonstrates that women’s participation boosts humanitarian assistance, strengthens the protection efforts of peacekeepers, enables the conclusion and sustainability of peace agreements, and facilitates economic recovery after conflict. It compiles growing evidence that demonstrates how peace negotiations influenced by women are much more likely to end in agreement, and to endure.

WHEN: 12 October, 11-11.45 a.m., Room S-0237, UN Secretariat, New York. [LIVE webcast at www.unwomen.org ]

WHO:  Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, UN Women Executive Director and Radhika Coomaraswamy, independent lead author of the Global Study.

BACKGROUND: On 13 October, the UN Security Council in New York will undertake the historic 15-year review of the women, peace and security agenda, where world leaders will meet to assess progress and gaps and define actions for the future. In 2000, the landmark Security Council resolution 1325 recognized for the first time the inextricable link between gender equality and women’s participation in international peace and security. The Security Council Open Debate comes at a time when extremists are placing the subordination of women at the centre of their ideology and war tactics, and UN Women is strongly urging the international community and the UN to place gender equality at the heart of its peace and security interventions.

The press conference will unveil the new Global Study on women, peace and security, one of three major peace and security reviews undertaken by the UN in the past year. New research and data compiled for the report demonstrates unequivocally that women’s quality participation in peace and security decision-making correlates directly with conflict resolution and sustainable peace. It shows that civil society and women’s movements have made extraordinary contributions to effective peace processes, with women’s participation increasing the probability of a peace agreement lasting at least two years by 20 per cent, and 35 per cent over 15 years. The Global Study is the result of a one-year, international consultative process, led by independent author Radhika Coomaraswamy, supported by a High-Level Advisory Group and UN Women serving as the Secretariat. 

INFORMATION FOR MEDIA:UN media accreditation is required to attend the press conference. Information on UN accreditation: https://www.un.org/en/media/accreditation/

SOCIAL MEDIA: Join the conversation around the High-level Review on women, peace and security on Twitter using the hashtags #1325at15 and #UNSCR1325 via @UN_Women

OTHER EVENTS DURING THE ANNIVERSARY WEEK, CO-SPONSORED BY UN WOMEN

Monday, 12 October 2015 | 3 - 5 p.m. | UN-HQ CR 12

Panel discussion on the Complementarity between CEDAW and UNSCR 1325 Organizers: The Global Network of Women Peacebuilders (GNWP), Permanent Mission of Switzerland to the UN, UN Women
Contact: Andrea Ackerman: andrea.gnwp[@]gmail.com

Monday, 12 October 2015 | 3 – 6 p.m.| UN-HQ CR 12

Sharing  Women, Peace & Security in the Arab Region Strategy
Organizers: League of Arab States, UN Women
Contact Sarah Brun: sarah.brun[@]unwomen.org

Tuesday, 13 October 2015 | 10 a.m. – onwards | UN-HQ SECURITY COUNCIL CHAMBER

UN Security Council Open Debate and High-level Review of Women, Peace and Security
Event will be webcast live at www.unwomen.org

Wednesday, 14 October 2015 | 9 - 11 a.m.| UN-HQ CR 12

High-level Panel: 15 years of the Women, Peace and Security Agenda in Africa 
Organizers: Hosted by AU Commission with support from UN Women and OSAA
Contact: Ecoma Alaga: alaga[@]un.org

Wednesday, 21 October 2015 | 3 - 6 p.m. | UN-HQ CR 12

Supporting women’s role in the implementation of the Malian peace accords
Organizers: Government of Mali with support from UN Women Mali Country Office 
Contact: Adekemi Ndieli: adekemi.ndieli@unwomen.org