‘Sustainable peace cannot be built without women,’ Kuwait tells UN
. . . they are essential partners in peace and security
- Addressing the UN Security Council, Kuwaiti diplomat Wafiqa Al-Mulla highlights women’s resilience during crises, calls for greater participation in conflict prevention and recovery, and outlines Kuwait’s work on its first national plan for Women, Peace and Security.
Kuwait reiterated that women are partners in resilience in the face of crises and conflicts, active contributors to recovery from their repercussions, and an indispensable voice in building a future of security, stability and peace for all. This came in the Kuwaiti speech delivered by Second Secretary at Kuwait’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations Wafiqa Al-Mulla during an open discussion held by the UN Security Council on women, peace and security.
Al-Mulla praised the role of Kuwaiti women in facing the challenges the country has endured since the Iraqi invasion, shedding light on their resilience and sacrifices during that period, as well as their contributions to rebuilding the nation and strengthening its security and stability.
She called for boosting women’s participation in efforts of building sustainable peace, noting that Kuwait’s women continue their role in serving their country and community and contribute to facing the repercussions of the repeated Iranian attacks on Kuwait since February 28, 2026.
She went on to say that the attacks targeted civilian objects, vital facilities and infrastructure, and threatened the security and safety of citizens and residents, noting that Kuwait had been subjected to repeated Iranian attacks since February 28, 2026.
She expressed her appreciation for the efforts of Kuwaiti women across various fields of work and responsibility, and for their contributions, alongside their fellow citizens, to preserving social cohesion and ensuring the continuity of daily life.
Al-Mulla affirmed that women are neither immune to the effects of crises and conflicts nor absent from efforts to respond to them. She reviewed Kuwait’s efforts in enhancing women’s participation in institutions concerned with security, justice and decision-making, along working to prepare the country’s first national plan on women, peace and security through the concerned national committee in cooperation with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia and the relevant agencies.
These efforts aim to integrate the agenda of women, peace and security into the national plans and policies, and expand women’s participation in conflict prevention, crisis response and recovery, in line with Kuwait Vision 2035 and the Sustainable Development Goals, Al-Mulla pointed out.
She noted that women’s participation should begin before conflicts erupt, through their contributions to preventive diplomacy and mediation, and continue through negotiations, the implementation of peace agreements, recovery and reconstruction.
Al-Mulla underlined that protecting women is an essential responsibility that requires respect for international law and international humanitarian law, the protection of civilians and civilian facilities, ensuring the safe and unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid, and holding perpetrators of violations accountable.
She warned that escalating conflicts have repercussions that do not conclude at the end of military operations, as women and girls suffer from the loss of family individuals, displacement, violence, and deprivation of education, healthcare and livelihood, at a time when the responsibilities placed on their shoulders continue to grow.
Al-Mulla affirmed that sustainable recovery requires empowering women and girls to return to education, access healthcare, restore their livelihoods, and participate in decisions related to rebuilding their communities.
In addition, she stressed the importance of integrating women’s needs and priorities into recovery and reconstruction plans, providing employment opportunities, and building capacities in ways that strengthen women’s economic independence and their ability to contribute to the future of their families and communities.
On technological advancements, Al-Mulla emphasized the need to benefit from digital tools to enhance women’s participation, facilitate the exchange of expertise, and build capacity, while addressing the threats women face in the digital space, including harassment and disinformation campaigns that may limit their participation in public life and decision-making.
Concluding her speech, the Kuwaiti official reaffirmed her country’s commitment to continuing its work with the United Nations, Member States, and partners to translate the Women, Peace and Security Agenda into tangible reality, stating that sustainable peace cannot be built without women, but through their full and effective participation.
— KUNA
