Women, Peace and Security (WPS) is a policy framework that recognizes that women must be critical actors in all efforts to achieve sustainable international peace and security. The WPS was formally initiated by the United Nations in 2000 through the groundbreaking Resolution 1325, which was the first one to link women to the peace and security agenda and acknowledge that armed conflicts impact women and girls differently from men and boys. Regrettably, almost a quarter of a century later, the world continues to overlook the potential of women in peacekeeping operations and excludes them from subsequent peace processes.
As a candidate member for an elected seat at the United Nations Security Council for the biennium 2025/26, Greece considers the advancement of the WPS Agenda as one of its six priorities for its tenure. It is to this end that the country has already completed its first National Action Plan (2023-2028), the basic pillars of which, were presented during a special event, held on Women’s Day, March 8, at the Hellenic Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Opening remarks were delivered by the Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Gerapetritis and all speakers raised awareness around this crucial issue which affects us all. The event was honoured with enthusiastic attendance on behalf of national public authorities, the academia, foreign missions, international organisations and NGOs. We thank everyone for their genuine support.
The all-female panel of distinguished speakers included:
- Dr. Zefi Dimadama, Secretary General for Equality & Human Rights, Ministry of Social Cohesion and Family
- Ms Maria Gavouneli, Professor at Athens Law School, President of the National Commission for Human Rights, Director General of the Hellenic Foundation for European and Foreign Policy (ELIAMEP)
- H.E. Ms Anna – Karine Asselin, Ambassador of Canada
- H.E. Ms Lindiwe Gail Msengana – Ndlela, Ambassador of South Africa
- H.E. Ms Maria Theofili, Ambassador, Director General for International Organizations and International Security and Cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
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