Bangladesh's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Irene Zubaida Khan, has called for meaningful women's participation in peace processes and decision-making, emphasising that grassroots initiatives are vital to preventing violence and building lasting peace.
Speaking at the UN Security Council's open debate on Women, Peace and Security (WPS) recently, she recalled Bangladesh's role as a key co-sponsor of Security Council Resolution 1325 and reaffirmed the country's commitment to the WPS agenda, according to the Bangladesh mission.
Irene Khan highlighted Bangladesh's National Action Plan on WPS, introduced six years ago.
After completing its first phase, Bangladesh is now implementing the second phase, with consultations involving stakeholders, particularly civil society and women's groups, remaining a key feature of the process.
The Bangladesh permanent representative underscored the importance of training and sensitising girls and young women on violence prevention and supporting their active participation in community-level mediation.
She stressed that grassroots efforts can prevent disputes from escalating into wider conflicts, noting that Bangladesh is prioritising these initiatives through government and NGO programmes.
Irene Khan also called for greater investment in women's organisations and human rights defenders, protection for women in conflict-affected settings, and predictable, sustained financing for peace operations and vulnerable communities.
Emphasising a gender-centred approach to security, she stressed that women must have a meaningful voice in peace negotiations, political leadership and decision-making.
The Bangladesh permanent representative urged the international community to translate WPS commitments into concrete action to advance inclusive sustainable peace.