Building peace in times of pessimism/ The 10th international society forum "Women, peace and security" is held

2024-06-04 12:13:00, Aktualitet CNA

Building peace in times of pessimism/ The 10th international society forum

The special session of the 10th International Civil Society Action Forum "Women, Peace and Security", with the theme "Peace building in times of pessimism", was organized in the Parliament of Albania.

The Woman Center for Development and Culture Albania (WCDCA), together with the International Civil Society Action Network - ICAN and the Parliament of Albania, held the special session of the 10th International Civil Society Action Forum "Women, Peace and Security", with the theme "Peace building in times of pessimism".

Present at this activity were the Deputy Speaker of the Assembly, Mrs. Ermonela Felaj Valikaj, Ministry of Health and Social Protection mrs. Albana Koçiu, Vice-Chairman of the Committee for Education and Public Information, Mrs. Evis Kushi, Deputy Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Maggie Fino, Mrs. Lejdi Dervishi Dervishi - National Coordinator/Cve Center Director, ambassadors and civil society representatives from different countries of the world.

At the opening of the activity, MP Evis Kushi welcomed the participants, especially women peacemakers from 47 countries of the world, mainly from conflict areas.

The Deputy Speaker of the Assembly, Mrs. Ermonela Felaj, during her speech, said that the Assembly of Albania, in addition to the national agenda, has engaged and supports regional and international initiatives for peace and security, has encouraged and will continue to encourage the government and institutions to increase their contribution to these initiatives.

Minister of Health and Social Protection, Mrs. Albana Koçiu stated that there is a clear correlation between women and peace: An equation that says: "Women are equal to peace".

The Deputy Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Megi Fino, stated that the 10th meeting of this forum comes at a crucial moment as we are witnessing complex security challenges stemming from a turbulent geopolitical landscape with long-term consequences for women and girls.

In the capacity of the National Coordinator / Director of the Coordinating Center for Countering Violent Extremism (CVE Center), Mrs. Lady Dervish gave a speech on the role of Resolution 1325 and the agenda for women, peace and security. Ms. Dervishi said that for Albania, Resolution 1325 underlines the continuous commitment to integrate gender perspectives in our security and defense policies, especially when they are related to the fight against terrorism and violent extremism.

The director of WCDCA, Mrs. Rudina Çollaku, in her speech singled out the contribution of the Albanian Government and the unique example of creating strategic partnerships for the benefit of development policies which are closely related to the preservation of peace and stability, significantly facilitating the process of social cohesion.

Ms. Sanam Naraghi Anderlini MBE - CEO of the International Civil Society Action Network (ICAN), thanked the Albanian government for the special contribution in building bridges for a sustainable peace at all levels and for the achievements in the implementation of the plans drawn up for Resolution 1325.

The second session was moderated by Mrs. Eralda Çani - Expert on the law and legal framework of PKV 1325 and opened with the speech of Ambassador Reinout Vos - Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Albania Embassy of the Netherlands in Albania, who shared with the attendees the example of this embassy and the work done in our country in partnership with key actors in the implementation of Resolution 1325.

Furthermore, Ambassador Michel Tarran, Head of the OSCE Presence in Albania, emphasized the role of the local security councils and the work done for the benefit of peacekeeping.

The representative of UN Women Albania, Mr. Michele Ribotta in his speech, called this session a demonstration of the concretization of women's action in efforts to stop violence and protect victims from violence, expressing consideration and gratitude for the work done from women in this aspect.

Next, the Director of USAID/Albania and the Deputy Ambassador in Charge of the American Embassy in Tirana US Embassy Tirana, Mrs. Mischere Kawas, highlighted the power of USAID's #EmpowerCommunity project, which amplifies women's voices and strengthens local partnerships. When local governments, civil society and communities work together, we not only respond quickly to needs, but we empower women to become true agents of change. Together, we are building a more peaceful and equal future.

Ms. Robinah Rubimbwa - Founder and National Coordinator, Coalition 6 for Action on 1325 (CoACT) and member of WASL, from the country of Uganda, shared her example in peace building emphasizing economic support as a key element in women's empowerment .

Ms. Ines Leskaj, Executive Director of the Albanian Women's Empowerment Network (AWEN), in her speech promised that the AWEN network will always be ready to act on issues related to women.

WCDCA thanks all partners and actors who made possible the realization of this session, which will remain in history as an important event that brought together women peacebuilders from 4 countries of the world, with one main goal: Strengthening local and global cooperation in benefits of peace and security.

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