Nordic statement by Permanent Representative of Finland Elina Kalkku, at the UNSC Open Debate on Women, Peace and Security

Nordic statement by Permanent Representative of Finland Elina Kalkku, at the UNSC Open Debate on Women, Peace and Security

President,

I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic countries: Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Sweden and my own country Finland.

The Nordic countries thank Colombia for convening this debate and for its leadership in addressing this critical issue.

We reaffirm our support to the UNSC Resolutions on Women, Peace and Security as key instruments for advancing inclusive peace, firmly anchored in international law.

Unfortunately, the commitments of the WPS agenda are not fulfilled. We are witnessing a troubling regression, marked by a broader pushback against women’s and girls’ rights.   

Peace processes are increasingly characterized by transactional approaches that do not benefit from multilateral expertise and support – and too often sideline women. They may often result in agreements that lack sustainability, legitimacy and local ownership.

At the same time, over 676 million women and girls live in the proximity to armed conflict, witnessing their traumatic consequences and working for example as early responders. Yet, they remain excluded from the decision-making processes that shape their realities.   

Women act as mediators, community leaders and agents of change, often under extremely challenging conditions. Their efforts are essential for building trust, addressing root causes of conflict and sustaining peace over time.  This role must be recognized.  

Global Alliance of Women Mediators Network, including that of Nordic Women Mediators, is an important platform to bring together women mediators and ensure that their expertise can be included in peace efforts at all stages.  Structures such as Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund are useful tools for showing concrete support to local level peacebuilders. 

President,

Advancing security requires women’s leadership also at national level. The role of women in peace efforts reflects their overall status in their societies, including in political decision-making. Therefore, political empowerment of women is also a step forward for Women, Peace and Security.

The Security Council has a special responsibility over the implementation of this agenda. We urge the Council and all UN Member States to ensure women’s full, equal, meaningful and safe participation in peace negotiations and political transitions.  

This includes inviting women as briefers to country specific sessions, securing gender adviser positions and supporting locally led women’s organizations that work to build inclusive peace.  

To conclude,

The Women, Peace and Security agenda must remain firmly embedded in all discussions on peace and security within the United Nations. Without women’s full, equal and meaningful participation, we cannot achieve inclusive and sustainable peace.

I thank you.