25th anniversary of UNSC Resolution 1325: Women conference calls for renewed institutional frameworks to embed gender perspectives in peace, governance structures

ISLAMABAD: The United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) has underscored the need for renewed institutional frameworks to embed gender perspectives in peace and governance structures. The UN body said that gender responsive governance and justice serve as foundations for resilient and peaceful societies.

At the first-ever national dialogue on women, peace, and security (WPS) jointly organized by the UN Women, the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA), and the National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW), the speakers highlighted the lived experiences of women peace builders, mediators, and local responders.

The dialogue confirmed a shared commitment to translate pledges into concrete actions that strengthen prevention, expand women’s leadership and participation in decision-making, reinforce protection mechanisms, improve relief and recovery measures responsive to women’s priorities, and enhance coordination, monitoring, and reporting across federal and provincial levels to inform a future pathway on women, peace, and security.

In the concluding session, Jamshed M Kazi, Country Representative of UN Women Pakistan, noted that “this Dialogue represents more than an event — it is a turning point.”

Speaking on the occasion, Mohamed Yahya, UN Resident Coordinator in Pakistan, reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to supporting the government’s efforts to advance the women, peace, and security agenda, stressing that “the road to sustainable peace is paved by women’s leadership. ”He said that women have proven their leadership abilities across the world, saying, “When women have a seat at the table, peace agreements are stronger, communities are safer, and nations move forward together.”

Muhammad Dawood Barreach, Special Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, reaffirmed the government of Pakistan’s dedication to strengthening institutional coordination for gender-responsive peace and security. He highlighted that Pakistan’s commitment to peace and stability is inseparable from its commitment to gender equality.

By placing women at the heart of peace and security, Pakistan is charting a future where equality fuels progress, and resilience becomes our collective strength, he added.

He maintained that integrating women’s leadership into security and governance frameworks is vital to ensuring policies that deliver lasting peace and inclusive national progress.

German Ambassador to Pakistan Ina Lepel underscored the global significance of the agenda, emphasising that “as we mark 25 years of UNSCR 1325, Pakistan’s leadership in reigniting this agenda reflects a shared global resolve that peace is only sustainable with full, equal and meaningful participation of women and girls.

Participants reflected on progress and examined how Pakistan can benefit from the lessons and experiences of other countries that have formulated National Action Plans on Women, Peace and Security, and how these may be adapted to Pakistan’s context and priorities.

In his opening remarks, Jawad Ahmad Dogar, National Coordinator, NACTA, reaffirmed the Government’s dedication to integrating gender perspectives across national peace and security frameworks, stating that “peace and security are only sustainable when women’s leadership and perspectives are fully integrated at every level of decision-making. Empowering women as peace builders is a key prerequisite to success.”

Ume Laila Azhar, Chairperson of the NCSW, highlighted that “placing women at the heart of peace and security policies is not only about equality but alsoit is about effectiveness. Inclusive leadership builds stronger institutions, resilient communities, and a future rooted in justice.”

Youth representatives showcased innovative digital and community-based initiatives that promote climate resilience and counter online radicalization. Regional experts from Indonesia, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Jordan shared valuable lessons to help shape a context-specific approach for Pakistan.

In a video message, Takahashi Katsuhiko, Ambassador for International Economic Affairs and Arctic Affairs, Government of Japan, emphasized that over the past 25 years, countries worldwide have advanced the WPS agenda through national action plans, adding that “we must now deepen our commitment, strengthen collaboration, and translate this into concrete action at national, regional, and global levels.”

Grounded in Pakistan’s National Security Policy (2022–2026) and the principles of UNSCR 1325, the Dialogue reaffirmed a shared commitment to a nationally owned WPS roadmap that expands women’s leadership, strengthens prevention and protection, and translates pledges into measurable action for inclusive and lasting peace.

Background Information Pakistan’s National Security Policy (2022–2026) identifies gender security as a core pillar, recognizing the need to integrate gender perspectives across all dimensions of peace and security. While Pakistan has demonstrated strong political will—particularly through women’s participation in United Nations peacekeeping missions—the National Dialogue provided an opportunity to reflect on how policy and institutional frameworks can continue to evolve to sustain the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda. Discussions also focused on learning from countries that have developed National Action Plans and adapting relevant practices to Pakistan’s context.

In light of Pakistan’s upcoming leadership role at the United Nations Security Council in 2025, the Dialogue referenced Pakistan’s statement at the Council’s Open Debate on Women, Peace and Security on 6 October 2025.

Delivering Pakistan’s intervention, Saima Saleem, Counsellor, Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the United Nations (New York), stated: “This year marks 25 years of UNSCR 1325 — the landmark resolution recognizing women’s vital role in peace and security. As we mark this milestone year, let us remember that the road to peace must be built by both women and men.”

The event reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to advancing international commitments on gender equality and women’s empowerment, emphasizing the importance of translating global principles into local action that ensures women’s protection, participation, and leadership in all spheres of peace and security.

The Dialogue highlighted women’s leadership and participation in peace building, governance, and crisis response, and built national consensus to advance the Women, Peace, and Security agenda in Pakistan.

Marking the 25th anniversary of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325, and coinciding with Pakistan’s service as an elected non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2025–2026 term, the event brought together national and international experts, including representatives from government, parliament, civil society, academia, and youth.

Distinguished International speakers included Desy Andriani, Deputy Minister for Protection of Women’s Rights, Indonesia; Ms Susana Guadalupe Marcaida, Executive Director, Office of the Presidential Advisor on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity, Philippines; Manal Benkirane, Deputy Representative, UN Women Jordan; and Ramaaya Salgado, National Programme Coordinator, UN Women Sri Lanka.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2025