Twenty years on, NATO’s commitment to Women, Peace and Security is stronger than ever
In a written address to the United Nations Security Council open debate on Women, Peace and Security on Thursday (29 October 2020), Ms Clare Hutchinson, NATO Secretary General’s Special Representative for Women, Peace and Security stressed that NATO’s “vision of security must be anchored to the inclusion of women, the adoption of a gender perspective in all activities, and in upholding the highest standards of behaviour”.
Ms Hutchinson highlighted how transformative the Women, Peace and Security has been over the last twenty years and noted how NATO had evolved as a result. She also stressed the importance of not losing the momentum, using the occasion of the 20th anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 to build on the strong foundation laid to Women, Peace and Security forward.
“Much has been done to advance the Women, Peace and Security agenda. But much more is left to do,” Ms Hutchinson said. “To advance gender equality, we have learned that we must be vigilant in promoting the integration of gender perspectives into all our functions… As we face new security challenges, applying a gender lens and unpacking data will support more successful outcomes.”
Recognising the importance of partnerships, which NATO pursues with nations, international organisations, and civil society, Ms Hutchinson concluded that “we must do this together… As we forge a path beyond the 20th anniversary, NATO will do its part to embolden the Women, Peace and Security agenda and continue to build on and strengthen its application well into the future.”
The United Nations Security Council’s Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security was formally adopted on 31 October 2000.