Dutch diplomat to become NATO’s Special Representative for Women, Peace and Security

NATO Secretary General has the intention to appoint her as the successor to Mari Skåre, who has been in the job since September 2012. “The appointment of Mrs. Schuurman is a clear demonstration of NATO’s continued commitment made at Chicago to promoting women’s role in NATO institutions and operations, as well as their participation in conflict prevention, management and resolution”, Anders Fogh Ramussen said.

The position, which was first created in 2012, includes raising awareness of NATO’s policies and activities in the area of Women, Peace and Security, ensuring their coordination, and cooperating with the United Nations and other relevant organisations.

“In the past two years, NATO has been taking an increasing leading role in reinforcing and promoting the implementation by NATO of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 and related resolutions on Women, Peace and Security”, Mari Skåre, NATO Secretary General’s Special Representative for Women, Peace and Security, said. “Today, 56 NATO and partner nations stand behind our policy and action plan, and NATO is playing an active role in addressing the question of conflict-related sexual violence. Those are significant achievements and I am certain that Mrs. Schuurman will do a wonderful job and taking our work forward”.

Mari Skåre’s term will end on 30 September. Mrs. Schuurman has 17-year career at the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with extensive experience and expertise of 1325-related issues, particularly through her postings in conflict-affected countries such as Sudan, South-Sudan, DR Congo, Rwanda, Burundi and Kosovo. She has also served at the Dutch embassies in Lusaka (Zambia) and Moscow.