Bahrain highlights women’s role in peace and security at UN debate

New York, Jun. 21 (BNA): Ambassador Jamal Fares Alrowaiei, Bahrain’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York, delivered Bahrain’s address during the UN Security Council’s open debate on Women, Peace, and Security (WPS), under the title "Peace is Decided with Women: Emerging from conflict by enhancing their participation", which was chaired by Colombia’s Foreign Minister, Rosa Yolanda Villavicencio Mapy.

Dr. Sima Bahous, Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN Women, also participated.

He said that the Kingdom of Bahrain underscores the importance of national institutions in translating commitments on women, peace and security into practical and sustainable policies that advance women’s empowerment and leadership, promote equal opportunities and gender balance, and integrate women’s needs into development and decision-making.

Ambassador Alrowaiei noted that ongoing conflicts around the world underscore the growing need for women’s meaningful participation in peace processes and political transitions. He emphasised that Bahrain, under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the guidance of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, places particular importance on strengthening national mechanisms that support women’s advancement.

Ambassador Alrowaiei highlighted the role of the Supreme Council for Women, established in 2001 under the presidency of Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Consort of His Majesty the King, as Bahrain’s national mechanism for promoting women’s empowerment, equal opportunities, and gender balance. He also pointed to the Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa Global Award for Women’s Empowerment, implemented in partnership with UN Women, as a reflection of Bahrain’s international commitment to advancing women’s empowerment and recognising impactful best practices.

The Permanent Representative stressed the importance of involving women in peace processes from the outset, noting that their participation strengthens dialogue and contributes to more inclusive and sustainable peace. He also affirmed Bahrain’s support for ensuring that the humanitarian and security needs of women and girls in conflict areas remain central to recovery, relief, protection, and peacebuilding efforts.

M.I, s.a