Statement of Latvia at the High-level forum on the Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace

New York, 2 September 2026

Madam President,

Twenty‑seven years ago, the Declaration on a Culture of Peace recognized women’s empowerment and equal participation in decision‑making as essential to building a culture of peace. Yet many of today’s most consequential negotiations unfold with no women at the table, limiting the strength of the outcomes and risking that issues affecting women’s lives are overlooked.

To strengthen women’s leadership in promoting a culture of peace, we highlight three priorities.

First, ensuring women’s full, equal and meaningful participation in decisions on peace and security – especially in negotiations, mediation and peace processes. National Action Plans on Women, Peace and Security are an important tool in this regard. We underscore the example of Ukraine, which has devised and implemented its plan under the most difficult circumstances of wartime. We also welcome the higher levels of women’s participation in UN‑led and UN‑supported peace processes.

Second, recognizing the contribution women already make to preventing and resolving conflict. Women’s organisations work at the community level to mediate disputes, build dialogue, prevent violence and support reconciliation. Their experience can also help connect local peace efforts with formal processes. In Colombia, Liberia, Yemen, Ethiopia and many other contexts, women have played important roles in mediation, peace agreements and reconciliation.

Third, empowering women and girls through education, mentoring, digital and economic opportunities, and initiatives that strengthen resilience in communities. It also means supporting women‑led organisations with the resources and protection they need to continue this work. We are proud of Latvian women’s organisations working in these areas – from building resilience through mentoring programmes at home, to empowering women and girls through STEM and digital literacy across Europe, Africa, Asia and the Pacific, and advancing community‑based approaches to addressing sexual and gender‑based violence.

By enhancing women’s participation, recognising their contributions, and investing in women and girls, we enable women’s leadership to grow stronger – and with it, the possibility of sustained peace and resilient societies.

I thank you!