In Freetown, Special Representative Simão and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Sierra Leone, H.E. Timothy Kabba, discussed progress in the implementation of Resolution 1325 (2000) and subsequent with women and youth leaders

Freetown, 17 October 2024 - On 15 October 2024, the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General, Leonardo Santos Simão, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Sierra Leone, H.E. Timothy Kabba, co-chaired, in Freetown, capital of Sierra Leone, the Regional Open Day on United Nations Security Council Resolutions 1325 (2000) and subsequent resolutions on Gender, women, youth, peace and security.

The 15^th edition of the Regional Open Day brought together around 150 women and young leaders from West Africa and the Sahel, including those from rural area as well as actors of civil society organizations. This year’s Open Day was enhanced by the participation of H.E. Fatoumata Jallow-Tambajang, former Vice-President of the Republic of The Gambia; Hon. Isata Mahoa, Minister of Gender and Children's Affairs and Hon. Mohamed Orman Bangura, Minister of Youth Affairs of Sierra Leone.

Representing H.E Julius Maada Bio, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, H.E. Timothy Kabba, said at the opening session that “Sierra Leone’s journey in promoting women’s rights, youth empowerment, and peace is deeply intertwined with the transformative agenda of the United Nations Security Council Resolutions 1325 on Women, Peace and Security (2000) and 2250 on Youth, Peace and Security (2015). He added that “Sierra Leone remains steadfast in promoting the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda.” He further stressed that “through the National Action Plan on UNSCR 1325 and progressive laws like the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act, we have made notable progress in enhancing women’s participation in leadership, peacebuilding, and decision-making.” “As we engage in dialogue during these meetings, let us reaffirm our collective resolve to build a more inclusive, secure, and peaceful West Africa and Sahel. We must continue to support the women and youth on the frontlines of peace and security, ensuring that they have the platforms and opportunities to contribute fully to our shared progress.” he concluded his intervention.

Echoing H.E. Timothy Kabba’s statement, the Special Representative Simão pointed out that “the Regional Open Days on Security Council Resolution 1325 (2000) on Women, Peace and Security are an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to supporting the participation of women in building peaceful and prosperous societies.” “Our responsibility is to ensure that UN Security Council resolutions related to conflict prevention, peace and security, such as Resolution 1325 (2000), Resolution 2250 (2015) and subsequent resolutions, are fully implemented to ensure that women and youth, particularly young women, are not only included but are at the heart of peacebuilding and development efforts,” he added.

The participants discussed perspectives for the sub-region to better contribute to national and regional efforts to prevent and resolve conflicts, and how to accelerate the full participation of women, including young women in conflict prevention and peace processes, political transitions and other key domains related to development in the sub-region.

Women from rural areas in the Sahel delivered testimonies highlighting the impact of violent extremism and terrorism on women, young people and children. while other participants briefed about the challenging peace and security context in their localities. Other positive experiences of local women’s mobilization in peacebuilding activities Sierra Leone were also shared as best practice to be promoted.

In their interactions with the two officials, women and young leaders stressed the need to accelerate the implementation of UNSCR 1325 (2000). They recommended the establishment of a dedicated fund to support women, peace, and security agenda implementation, especially, women's engagement for peace, and to strengthen the participation of women in the existing mechanisms of dialogue and mediation framework at regional level and in the municipalities and in the regions. They also called on governments in the sub-region to redouble their efforts towards ending terrorism and violent extremism, and to promote intergenerational exchanges so that experienced women can pass the torch to the younger generations.

In response to the concerns expressed by women, Mr. Simão reiterated the commitment of the United Nations to continue to advocate and support all initiatives and action plans towards the implementation of Security Council Resolutions 1325 (2000) and subsequent resolutions. “By joining our efforts and reinforcing our mobilization through the commitment of each one of us, we can make progress towards this common goal,” he stated.

Organized since 2010 by UNOWAS, in partnership with UN Women, and other United Nations entities in the region, the Regional Open Days are a framework for exchange where women and young leaders share with senior UN officials and regional organizations their experiences, their concerns and priorities in the framework of the implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolutions 1325 (2000) and subsequent resolutions on women, peace and security.