New York: United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called for meaningful participation of women in peace negotiations, stressing that their involvement must go beyond symbolism to help build lasting peace.
Guterres expressed concern over the limited representation of women in peace processes. Women negotiators accounted for just 5% of participants across 57 peace processes last year, while women were mentioned in fewer than one-fifth of all peace agreements.
He said delays in implementing resolutions on the women, peace and security agenda were unacceptable and urged negotiators to ensure that the needs and priorities of women and girls are adequately reflected in peace agreements.
The UN chief also called for increased funding for women’s organisations operating in conflict-affected regions, stronger protection for female activists and more robust laws to prevent gender-based violence.
“Equality is not a dream; it is a decision,” he said, underscoring the need for concrete action to advance women’s leadership in peace and security efforts.
The importance of women’s participation in peace processes is not symbolic.
They are more likely to endure when women participate meaningfully.
Stability is more achievable when women have equal opportunity to shape the future.
And societies are stronger & more resilient when women & girls can live free from fear & violence.
My remarks to the Security Council: https://t.co/hceIH02isD
— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) October 28, 2026
