The Oversight Committee on the National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security convened for its first session. Chaired by Ambassador Cecilia Attard-Pirotta, the Committee is tasked with monitoring and evaluating the implementation of the Action Plan, which covers the term 2020-2024 and seeks to implement the United Nations Security Resolution 1325 on Women Peace and Security.
The Resolution not only reaffirmed the important role of women in the prevention and resolution of conflicts, peace negotiations, peacebuilding, peacekeeping, humanitarian responses, and post-conflict reconstruction, but it also underlined the importance of their equal participation and full involvement in all efforts for the maintenance and promotion of peace and security. To that end, the committee brings together representatives from line ministries, civil society organisations, and academics from the University of Malta.
In his address, Minister Bartolo highlighted that the importance afforded by the Maltese Government to the WPS Agenda is reflected in the decision to identify this theme as one of the priorities for Malta’s candidature, as well as its membership, in the United Nations Security Council for the term 2023-2024.
The minister thanked the committee members for their input in drawing up the National Action Plan and further highlighted that everyone needed to take ownership of the National Action Plan approved by Cabinet in December 2019. In this context, he argued that the implementation of this action plan does not solely depend on women, but it is the responsibility of us all, regardless of our gender, age, creed, or position.
The minister concluded his address by reiterating his call to work together to foster an environment where women are internationally recognised as leaders, policy motivators, and decision-makers, in peace and conflict settings and beyond.
File photo. Minister Evarist Bartolo
