New York, United States. Cyprus’ permanent representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Maria Michael, highlighted the role of women in conflict prevention and resolution during an open debate of the UN Security Council on June 17 under Colombia’s presidency. She said women’s full, equal, meaningful and safe participation is a prerequisite for lasting peace.
UN debate on women, peace and security
According to an announcement issued on Monday, the discussion focused on the theme “Women, Peace and Security: Peace Begins with Women – Accelerating Participation as a Pathway from Conflict to Peace”.
Michael referred to the unanimous adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 twenty-five years ago and said the Women, Peace and Security agenda remains one of the most important frameworks for achieving sustainable peace, security and development.
Call for greater participation
She said women continue to be underrepresented in peace processes and negotiations, particularly in efforts aimed at conflict prevention and resolution. She also referred to the findings of the UN secretary-general’s latest report on conflict-related sexual violence.
Michael said women play an irreplaceable role in preventing and resolving conflicts and that meaningful participation requires representation at all levels of decision-making, including as mediators, negotiators, peacebuilders and signatories to peace agreements.
She also underlined the importance of women-led civil society organisations, describing them as key actors in conflict prevention, peacebuilding, humanitarian response and post-conflict recovery.
Cyprus national action plan
Referring to Cyprus’ national efforts, Michael reiterated the Republic’s commitment to advancing the Women, Peace and Security agenda.
She noted that Cyprus recently adopted its second national action plan for the period 2026-2028, which places particular emphasis on strengthening women’s leadership and participation in decision-making related to peace, security and diplomacy.
Michael said the plan also promotes the integration of a gender perspective across national security and foreign policy frameworks and was developed through an inclusive consultation process involving the National Machinery for Women’s Rights, civil society organisations and other stakeholders.
