HCM City (VNA) – Ambassador Tran Duc Binh, Director of the ASEAN Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reaffirmed Vietnam’s unwavering commitment to the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda and its resolve to effectively implement the National Action Plan on WPS for 2024-2030 while actively contributing to regional and global initiatives.
Binh delivered the commitment at the second ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Workshop on WPS organised in both in-person and online formats in Ho Chi Minh City on March 25 by the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam, along with Australia and Canada.
The diplomat underscored the significance and importance of the United Nations Security Council’s Resolution 1325 on WPS, adopted in 2000, and its related resolutions. He stressed the need to ensure women’s participation and gender incorporation in every stage of the peace process.
As the world is celebrating the 25th anniversary of Resolution 1325, the workshop served as a platform for ARF members to reflect on achievements, identify persistent challenges, and explore concrete measures to accelerate progress.
Australian Ambassador for Gender Equality Stephanie Copus Campbell and Canadian Ambassador for WPS Jacqueline O’Neil reaffirmed the importance of Resolution 1325 and related resolutions. While acknowledging results, they pointed out ongoing challenges and stressed the urgency of greater international collaboration to ensure the effective implementation of this important agenda.
Discussions at the event also addressed the impact of rising global conflicts, with participants voicing concerns over escalating violence disproportionately affecting women and girls.
Delegates welcomed national and regional WPS action plans, including that of ASEAN, and agreed that Resolution 1325 has reshaped global perceptions of women’s roles in peace and security. They noted that integrating gender perspectives enhances the effectiveness and sustainability of peace processes.
Participants also heard stories of female peacekeepers, including Captain Sa Minh Ngoc from the Department of Peacekeeping Operations under the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defence, who shared unique challenges faced by women in UN peacekeeping missions.
Looking ahead, participants emphasised the need for sustained funding, stronger inter-sectoral coordination, and innovative solutions, such as leveraging emerging technologies, to enhance the implementation of WPS commitments./.
VNA
