Baghdad: The Cabinet Secretariat and the United Nations have engaged in discussions to bolster women’s leadership under the Women, Peace, and Security agenda. The General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers and the United Nations collaboratively explored ways to enhance women’s roles within this framework.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the forum titled ‘The Role of the United Nations in Supporting Women’s Leadership within the Women, Peace and Security Agenda’ commenced in Baghdad under the auspices of the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers/National Directorate for Iraqi Women. The event was marked by the presence of the Advisor to the Prime Minister for Women’s Affairs, various officials, and representatives from the United Nations, its agencies, and other international organizations.

Yusra Karim Mohsen, the Director General of the National Directorate for Iraqi Women, highlighted the necessity of fostering partnerships among governmental, security, judicial, community institutions, and United Nations agencies to promote women’s participation and empowerment.

Alaa Al-Talabani, the Prime Minister’s Advisor for Women’s Affairs, underscored the significance of the forum in evaluating the United Nations’ role in supporting women’s leadership. She emphasized the need to translate national commitments, particularly Security Council Resolution 1325, into actionable steps that align with the governmental agenda.

The UN representative praised the efforts of the Iraqi National Women’s Directorate in organizing the forum, accentuating the need for sustained joint efforts to support women, families, and children, with particular focus on protection, recovery, reconstruction, and economic empowerment.

The forum also included an assessment of the initiatives by the government, the United Nations, and its agencies operating in Iraq, alongside a discussion on recommendations to fortify partnerships and support women’s leadership.