Thank you, Mr. President. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield expressed gratitude to Japan for organizing the UN Security Council open debate on conflict prevention and acknowledged the contributions of Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo and Ambassador Danese, Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission. She also thanked civil society briefers Dr. Williams and Ms. Bhagwan Rolls, welcoming visiting members and ministers.
During the 68th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women, global leaders gathered to promote gender equity and enhance opportunities for women and girls. Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield emphasized that peace is essential for empowering women, as conflict disproportionately affects them through displacement, food insecurity, sexual violence, and other war-related issues.
Citing Sudan's civil war as an example, she highlighted how it has forced millions from their homes and exposed them to sexual violence while limiting access to healthcare services. The ambassador noted challenges in addressing these issues due to underreporting and privacy concerns.
She urged prioritizing gender issues within the Council's work, emphasizing a focus on Women, Peace, and Security initiatives. The United States supports UN conflict prevention efforts through its strategies aimed at preventing conflict and promoting stability.
Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield outlined four areas for enhancing cooperation in conflict prevention: supporting the Peacebuilding Commission's work; ensuring UN peace operations have committed host government support; integrating peace with development and humanitarian efforts; considering inclusive peacebuilding in achieving Sustainable Development Goals; addressing climate change impacts linked to instability; recognizing women's transformative role in peace processes; engaging youth leaders to prevent nations from reverting to conflict.
The ambassador underscored her hope inspired by women supporting families and peace efforts globally during her travels. She encouraged lifting up their voices to advance global peace and security.
"Thank you, Mr. President."