Statement by H.E. Mr. Paruyr Hovhannisyan, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Armenia to the UN, at the UN Security Council Open Debate on Women, Peace and Security

Mrs. President,

I thank the Presidency of the Russian Federation for convening the Security Council open debate on the theme of Women, Peace and Security (WPS). I also thank the Executive Director of UN-Women, along with other distinguished briefers, for their insightful and valuable contributions to our discussion.

For a quarter of a century, the WPS agenda has been at the heart of the multilateral system. Yet, despite the commitments of the international community, women and girls continue to face heightened risks of violence, discrimination, and exclusion. Recurrent conflicts and complex humanitarian crises disproportionately affect women and girls, underscoring the urgent need for the United Nations to strengthen its efforts in prevention, protection, and meaningful participation, to advance the full implementation of the WPS agenda.

The Security Council Resolution 1325 remains a cornerstone for our shared pursuit of sustainable peace, stability, and inclusive security. It drives global efforts to ensure that women participate fully, equally, and meaningfully in every stage of conflict prevention, peacebuilding, and post-conflict recovery.

Promoting gender equality and empowerment of women in peace and security processes, both nationally and globally, remain a key priority for Armenia. Guided by Security Council Resolution 1325, Armenia has systematically integrated the Women, Peace and Security agenda across governance, diplomacy, defense, security, and justice sectors, maintaining a strong record of its implementation.

Armenia's Third National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security for 2025-2027, entitled "Investing in Global Efforts for Peace," sets out clear and measurable actions to enhance women's participation in decision-making, prevent gender-based violence, and support post-conflict recovery. Drawing from past achievements, the Plan mainstreams the WPS agenda across all dimensions of national policy, in line with Armenia's development priorities and international commitments, safeguarding continuity of policies and programs and effectively addressing Armenia's evolving challenges. It strengthens strategic cooperation among state institutions, civil society, and international partners, and establishes a unified platform for data collection, monitoring, and reporting to guarantee transparency, accountability, and evidence-based policymaking.

A central focus of the new Plan is addressing the specific needs of vulnerable and marginalized groups, particularly in conflict and post-conflict settings. It emphasizes localizing the WPS agenda in border communities hosting forcibly displaced populations, while promoting social cohesion sustainable integration. The Plan provides targeted support, including psychological assistance, capacity-building initiatives, and specialized programs designed to uphold the rights and dignity of the most vulnerable and foster sustainable recovery.

Mrs. President,

In light of the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and the 25th anniversary of Security Council Resolution 1325, there is an urgent need to accelerate efforts of the international community to fully mainstream the role of women in conflict prevention, post-conflict reconstruction, and peacebuilding, while ensuring that women and girls are protected in conflict zones and humanitarian crises.

Armenia remains steadfast in its commitment to the WPS agenda and will continue to champion the full and meaningful participation of women in political and public life, recognizing that true peace, stability, and security can only be achieved when no one is left behind.

I thank you.