On October 24, the United Nations Security Council held an open meeting focused on “Women, Peace, and Security.” During the session, China’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Fu Cong, emphasized the need for the Security Council to create favorable conditions for women and girls to be free from the horrors of war and fear.
The UN Women executive director, Sima Bahous, reported that according to the latest findings from the UN Secretary-General, the percentage of women who died in conflicts has doubled in 2023, while cases of sexual violence related to conflicts have increased by 50%. Additionally, the number of girls severely affected by these conflicts rose by 35%. Moreover, she noted that women’s participation in peace processes has been obstructed, with related aid and support falling short of what is necessary.
Ambassador Fu pointed out that next year marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing World Conference on Women and the 25th anniversary of Security Council Resolution 1325. He stressed that the Security Council must fulfill its fundamental duty to maintain international peace and security, taking on the crucial mission of preventing and resolving conflicts and promoting political solutions to hot-button issues. He particularly called for effective actions to facilitate ceasefires in conflict zones, ensuring that women and girls can escape the threats of war.
He highlighted that women have increasingly become an indispensable force in maintaining and building peace. He acknowledged the positive steps taken by the UN Secretariat to support women in high-level positions in peacekeeping missions. However, he noted the disparities in women’s political participation across countries, especially in developing nations, where awareness and capability lag behind. He urged the international community to implement more effective measures to tap into the potential and talents of women in developing countries, encouraging their involvement in peacekeeping actions and political negotiations.
Fu also expressed the necessity to promote women’s empowerment through a development-based approach. He called on the Security Council and the international community to translate the idea of “development fosters peace” into concrete actions. China supports UN Women, UN Development Programme, and other agencies in continuing their efforts to help women in developing nations, especially in conflict zones, to equally access opportunities arising from economic development and technological advancements. He pointed out that developed countries must honor their commitments to official development assistance, and international financial institutions should allocate more funding to improve the livelihoods of women in developing nations. Additionally, he voiced support for deepening South-South cooperation to exchange experiences in advancing women’s development.
Ambassador Fu concluded by emphasizing China’s unwavering commitment as a staunch advocate and active contributor to gender equality and women’s development. He expressed China’s willingness to work alongside the international community to uphold the spirit of the World Conference on Women in an equitable, inclusive, and sustainable manner, thereby contributing to a more peaceful, beautiful, and fulfilling future for every woman.
