Vietnam’s permanent representative to the UN Dang Dinh Quy has called on all countries to remove barriers and prejudice that women face from society in the process of peace building and keeping, creating a fairer world.

Ambassador Dang Dinh Quy, permanent representative of Vietnam to the United Nations.
(Photo: VNA)

Addressing a UN Security Council Open VTC on women, peace, and security on October 29, Ambassador Quy welcomed progress made in implementing the UNSC’s Resolution 1325 on women, peace, and security, along with its related resolutions.

The Vietnamese diplomat therefore urged all countries to come together in support of the call made by UN Secretary General Antonio Gutteres for a global ceasefire and an immediate end to hostilities worldwide. This pause would therefore facilitate the flow of humanitarian assistance and provide a window of opportunity to offer support to vulnerable groups, especially women and girls.

Ambassador Quy clearly stated that it is a necessity to address the root cause of conflicts, prevent future conflicts, build peace, and focus on socio-economic development, and reconstruction after conflicts.

It is the responsibility of all nations to ensure that women enjoy equal access from the outset of all peace and political processes, Ambassador Quy added.

He urged international donors to allocate at least 15% of ODA capital for conflict-affected countries as a means of promoting gender equality, while simultaneously strengthening the UN’s partnership and effective co-ordination.

The Vietnamese diplomat also affirmed that Vietnam has always placed great importance the role of women in society, citing some of the achievements the country has made in this area.

At the meeting, UN Secretary General Antonio Gutteres emphasised that the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has had a strong impact on women and children, especially in areas such as education, employment, and women’s participation in peace processes.

He expressed his appreciation for women’s important role in responding to COVID-19, but noted his disappointment that women only make up just 7% of the leadership of countries. UN Secretary General Gutteres thereby called for a reduction of the militarisation, whilst promoting inclusive development, equity, and conflict prevention.

According to the UN Secretary General, various Governments and international organisations must consider gender equality as an important measure for trust building and social cohesion.