The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), Leonardo Santos Simao, has called for intensified efforts to achieve gender equality in peace and security initiatives across the region.
Speaking at the 2024 Regional Open Day on Women, Youth, Peace, and Security, held in Freetown on October 15, Simao commended the efforts of West African and Sahelian countries to implement UNSCR 1325, citing the establishment of the West Africa and Sahel Women Mediators Rapid Response Team as a critical step in promoting women’s involvement in peace negotiations.
However, he warned that many challenges still exist, particularly in countries facing conflict or political instability.
He further called for the full implementation of resolutions related to conflict prevention and peacebuilding, maintaining that their inclusion is essential for achieving sustainable peace
He applauded Sierra Leone for hosting this event, which he noted serves as a crucial platform to review the progress made in the implementation of UNSCR 1325 and to strategize for the future.
