United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has voiced deep concern over the continued exclusion of women from formal peace negotiations, marking the 25th anniversary of the landmark UN Security Council Resolution 1325on Women, Peace, and Security.
Guterres emphasized that despite decades of advocacy and global commitments, women’s representation in peace processes remains alarmingly low. He noted that while women are often at the forefront of grassroots peacebuilding, they are still marginalized in formal political and diplomatic negotiations.
“Peace talks that exclude women do not represent the societies they aim to serve,” Guterres stated. “We are failing to live up to the promises made 25 years ago — promises of equality, inclusion, and justice.”
Adopted in October 2000, Resolution 1325 was the first of its kind to recognize the essential role of women in preventing and resolving conflicts, peacekeeping, and post-war reconstruction. However, data presented by the UN shows that less than 15% of peace negotiators globally are women, and women make up less than 10% of mediators in major conflict resolutions.
The Secretary-General called on member states to ensure women’s equal participation in peace processes and to provide greater financial and institutional support for women-led peace initiatives. He stressed that inclusion is not only a matter of fairness but also a proven path to more sustainable peace.
According to the UN, peace agreements that involve women are 35% more likely to last at least 15 years — a statistic underscoring the tangible benefits of women’s participation.
Global women’s rights groups echoed Guterres’ sentiments, urging the international community to move beyond symbolic commitments and take concrete action. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, former Executive Director of UN Women, remarked, “It is time to translate pledges into power. Women deserve more than a seat at the table — they deserve equal voice and authority.”
As conflicts continue to unfold in regions like the Middle East, Africa, and Eastern Europe, the UN chief’s message serves as a sharp reminder that the world cannot achieve lasting peace without the full inclusion and leadership of women.
