António Guterres calls for women's inclusion in peace processes

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called for urgent action to increase the effective participation of women in peacebuilding and community reconstruction. Speaking at Cairo University, Guterres emphasized that women must be present at peace negotiations and that their specific needs must be reflected in peace agreements.

He noted a significant gap in representation, stating that women accounted for only 5% of negotiators in 57 peace processes last year. Furthermore, fewer than one-fifth of global peace agreements included references to women, girls, gender issues, or sexual violence.

Guterres highlighted that the current escalation of global conflicts—the highest since World War II—threatens progress made under Resolution 1325. He warned of rising documented sexual violence in conflict zones, increased maternal mortality, and the targeting of female political leaders, journalists, and human rights defenders. He urged for increased funding for women's organizations to support recovery and stability.