Italy committed to promoting women’s emancipation in the world
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation attributes the utmost importance to the promotion of gender equality and the emancipation of all women and is proud to have sponsored this Forum”. This was declared by the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Marina Sereni in a video message to the United Nations System Staff College in Turin for the opening of the “Virtual Torino Forum for Sustaining Peace”.
“This Forum – adds Sereni – was developed within the framework of the Italian National Plan for Women’s Peace and Security in a particular year. It marks the 20th anniversary of the adoption of the particularly important, revolutionary Security Council Resolution, 1325, which established the Agenda for Women, Peace and Security. Sustainable peace and lasting conflict prevention can only be achieved if the negotiation and implementation of agreements are inclusive. All segments of society, starting with women and young people, can make their voices heard and help build their future. When women are significantly involved, peace talks address the root causes and produce better results, with the possibility that the agreements will be durable. Unfortunately, this positive action by women is often not recognized. It does not translate into their involvement in subsequent political processes.
“The Member States of the United Nations – continues the Vice Minister – have the responsibility to promote the full and effective participation of women in mediation and peace processes. As for Italy, our Government and civil society are constantly committed to ensuring the full implementation of the Agenda for Peace and Security of Women in all its aspects. In December 2016, we launched the third Italian National Action Plan for peace and security of women for the period 2016-2020. For the first time, the Italian Parliament has allocated 4 million euros to support the implementation of the Plan. Italy is one of the very few countries that finance the implementation of its National Action Plan. In October 2017, the Mediterranean Women Mediators Network was activated, which testifies the commitment of Italy in the Mediterranean region and its efforts for the peaceful resolution of conflicts and the promotion of gender equality. All must intensify the collective efforts in the implementation of the Agenda for peace and security of women. It is essential to continue to give impetus to this Agenda, – concludes Sereni – especially in light of the anniversary of the historic 1325 Resolution”.
