New York, June 18 (QNA) - The State of Qatar reaffirmed the importance of enhancing women's participation in peace and security efforts, stressing that women are a fundamental pillar in achieving sustainable peace and building more stable and prosperous societies.

This came in a statement delivered by HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations, Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani during the open debate of the United Nations Security Council on Women, Peace and Security, held in New York under the theme: "Peace is decided with women: Emerging from conflict by enhancing their participation."

Her Excellency noted that ongoing wars and conflicts have profound repercussions for women and girls, as they are among the groups most affected by the consequences of crises. She stressed that this reality necessitates concerted international efforts to strengthen the role and status of women as key partners in achieving peace and security.

She further pointed out that the international community cannot overlook the catastrophic humanitarian conditions faced by women in conflict zones, including in the occupied Palestinian territories, as a result of violations committed under the Israeli occupation. These conditions, she said, place Palestinian women and girls at risk and contribute to the deterioration of education, healthcare, and other essential services.

In this regard, she referred to the latest report of the Secretary-General of the United Nations on Women, Peace and Security, which noted that grave violations committed against women and girls, including in the occupied Palestinian territories, provide stark examples of the serious dangers faced by women in crisis-affected environments.

Her Excellency stressed that recent developments in the Gulf region have underscored the importance of preserving regional security and stability, given their direct impact on communities, including women and girls. She emphasized the need to continue efforts aimed at promoting dialogue and diplomacy, upholding international law, and resolving disputes through peaceful means, thereby fostering a safer and more stable environment that supports development, ensures the continuity of essential services, and empowers women and girls.

She reaffirmed Qatar's commitment to continuing its intensive efforts and support for good offices initiatives aimed at strengthening regional security and stability in a manner that serves the interests of the peoples of the region and the world, including women and girls.

In this context, the Permanent Representative of Qatar to the United Nations reiterated Qatar's welcome of the agreement on a memorandum of understanding between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran to address outstanding issues between them, including ensuring freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, considering this agreement an important step toward consolidating sustainable peace and promoting economic growth at both the regional and international levels.

She also expressed appreciation for the willingness of both sides to move forward in addressing their differences through dialogue and peaceful means, and commended the efforts made by the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and other regional and international parties to help reduce tensions, bridge differences, and facilitate the agreement.

Her Excellency affirmed that Qatar's steadfast commitment to the Women, Peace and Security agenda is reflected in its initiatives and widely recognized diplomatic efforts in mediation, as well as its dedication to creating broader opportunities for women to participate in dialogue processes and decision-making.

In this regard, she noted Qatar's accession to the campaign launched by the Secretary-General of the United Nations, entitled "Common Pledge for Women's Full, Equal and Meaningful Participation in Peace Processes." She also highlighted Qatar's active membership in the Arab Women Mediators Network and pointed to the country's hosting of the third meeting of the Working Group on Women, Peace and Security for the Arab States in Jan. 2025, which emphasized the importance of regional cooperation in supporting women's roles and leadership in peace and security efforts. (QNA)