The Philippines will host a gathering of about 54 other countries for talks about protecting women and their roles in peace and security and expect to come up with a declaration that will affirm gender equality across the world.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo said the Philippines will host from Oct. 28 to 30 the International Conference on Women, Peace and Security (ICWPS), which is aimed at illuminating the role of interregional multi-stakeholder networks for exchanging experiences, best practices and challenges related to the meaningful engagement of women in peace-building.
"Our hosting of the conference reflects our commitment to the women, peace and security agenda which is not only evident in our national policies but also extends beyond our borders, finding resonance in our engagements with the United Nations, ASEAN and other international organizations," Manalo said.
Expected major outcome of the three-day event is a Manila declaration, which, although still being negotiated in New York, is set to affirm commitments to gender equality and women’s participation, especially in peace-keeping and peace-building activities, according to Manalo.
"We expect a call for urgent action to address sexual and gender-based violence especially during armed conflict, and also promoting women’s leadership in peace processes around the world," he added.
According to Manalo, the conference will also reaffirm the commitment of all states to the women, peace and security agenda.
"And we also expect arising from this meeting and even during the meeting more collaboration between government and civil society and international organizations. And also, targeting actions or making more specific targets to address gender inequality in conflict … during times of conflict and also in times of peace building," he added.
Meanwhile, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said the upcoming ICWPS represents a significant milestone for the Philippines, which is, in fact, a pioneer in the implementation of the National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security.
"It offers us a platform to share our best practices, learn from each other’s experiences and strengthen our collective resolve to integrate gender perspective into all aspects of peace and security as we work together towards a Bagong Pilipinas," Pangandaman said.
"This conference is not just an opportunity for a dialogue. It is a call to action for all of us to reaffirm our commitment to gender equality and sustainable peace," she added.
The ICWPS is part of the world's commitment to protect women and recognize their roles in peace and security, in line with UN Security Council Resolution 1325.
UNSCR 1325 reaffirmed the important role of women in the prevention and resolution of conflicts and in peace-building, and stressed the importance of their equal participation and full involvement in all efforts for the maintenance and promotion of peace and security.