Philippines Reaffirms Commitment to Women, Peace, and Security Agenda; PCW delivers PH National Statement at Herstoric International Conference on WPS

Philippines Reaffirms Commitment to Women, Peace, and Security Agenda; PCW delivers PH National Statement at Herstoric International Conference on WPS

The International Conference on Women, Peace, and Security (ICWPS) kicks off at the Philippine International Convention Center, drawing high-level officials, delegates, and advocates from around the world to reinforce and advance the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda. The conference, running from October 28 to 30, is an initial event to mark the 25th anniversary of the UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325 next year, which calls for women's leadership and active involvement in peace processes and their protection in conflict zones.

Philippines' First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos graced the opening session of the conference, welcoming over 800 participants from 84 countries and 130 organizations. She reaffirmed the administration's commitment, under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., to promoting women's rights to peace and security.

On the first day of the conference, Philippine Commission on Women Chairperson Ermelita V. Valdeavilla delivered the Philippine National Statement, reaffirming the nation's unwavering commitment to the WPS agenda. "We stand in solidarity with the international community, resolute in upholding UNSCR 1325 to achieve an inclusive, gender-responsive, and resilient peace framework," Valdeavilla said. She highlighted the Philippines' pioneering role as the first Asian country to adopt a National Action Plan on WPS (NAPWPS) and emphasized the importance of synergizing efforts with the country's climate action commitments, such as the Nationally Determined Contributions' Gender Action Plan.

The Philippines called for a collective, transformative approach to WPS, noting that "accelerating women's leadership, combating sexual violence, ensuring women's representation in peace negotiations, and addressing the climate impacts on women are critical steps for progress." Valdeavilla cited that women made up only 9.6 percent of negotiators, 13.7 percent of mediators and 26.6 percent of signatories to peace agreements. Minus Columbia's agreements, the proportion of women signatories was only a dismal 1.5 percent; and none of the peace agreements included signatories from women's groups. Aside from limited female representation in peace negotiations, there is rising incidence of sexual violence in conflict, underscoring the urgent need for measures to prosecute offenders, ensure protection of women with intersectoral disadvantage and people with different sexual orientation in situations of conflict. She also called for dedicated resources to support the work of women peace builders.

"On incorporating women's agenda in peace processes, in 2023, only 26 percent of peace agreements mentioned women's agenda. If women are only marginally represented in the negotiation and decision-making, this invisibility will persist. We appeal to you, to make women's involvement and consultation a mandatory priority of peace building, not as an accommodation but as an imperative. Exclusion is discrimination and discrimination is injustice," Valdeavilla enthused.

In the conference's opening session, United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed recognized the Philippines' global leadership, noting its herstorical appointment of a female chief negotiator. She emphasized that "inclusive peace processes, as exemplified by the Philippines, empower women and strengthen conflict resolution.

"The Philippines offers profound insights as the first Asian nation to adopt a National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security. And as you adapt and expand that plan to meet the moment and the evolving challenges that come with it, you are demonstrating commendable leadership," she added.

However, a plan without funds can only do so much. Indeed, funding is a cornerstone of effective planning. By allocating at least 5% of government agency budgets to gender programs through the Gender and Development (GAD) budget, the government demonstrates the Philippines' commitment to advancing gender equality and empowering women and marginalized groups.

"We have the 'Women's Budget' or the GAD Budget in the General Appropriations Act, a policy directing all government agencies to allocate a minimum of five percent of their total annual budgets for gender programs, projects, and activities that align with the WPS Agenda," Philippine Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman explained.

Meanwhile, Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique A. Manalo highlighted the various issues and challenges faced by women and girls in conflict zones, including sexual violence. Notably, there was a 50% increase in the number of cases of conflict-related sexual violence in 2023, while the number of women and girls affected by grave violations in armed conflicts increased by 35%.

In light of this, Manalo underscored the importance of women having seats at tables where peace-related decisions are being made, stating that when women are involved in the peace process, agreements are more likely to be reached, implemented, and sustained."

"We must uphold women as agents of change and leaders in shaping conditions for lasting peace. Their under-representation in peace processes does not do justice to this," he said.

The three-day conference, themed "Forging Collaboration and Convergence for Advancing Women, Peace, and Security," features high-level panels, thematic discussions, and 23 side events addressing WPS intersections with climate change, youth engagement, and women's roles in peace processes.

Manalo emphasized the conference's significance as a pioneering event, highlighting its strength in fostering partnerships among governments, regional institutions, international organizations, civil society, and local communities.

Philippines' Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. hopes that the gains from the three-day conference will lead to strides in the peace and security sector.

"May this three-day conference allow all of us to build meaningful partnerships and gain invaluable lessons that we can take back to our respective communities and countries. May we unite and work together to capacitate, strengthen and empower women not only in our own countries but all over the world," he said.

He also shared that a key outcome of the conference is the adoption of the Pasay Declaration, which aims to strengthen global efforts for inclusive peace processes. It emphasizes the critical role of women in all their diversity and seeks to ensure their protection throughout conflict cycles. Another highlight is the ceremonial signing of an agreement for the establishment of the Philippines' Center of Excellence on Women, Peace, and Security, a significant global initiative in partnership with the US State Department.

The conference is jointly organized by the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity, the Philippine Commission on Women, and the Department of Budget and Management, in partnership with UN Women, the Philippines Center for Islam and Democracy, and the ASEAN Institute for Peace and Reconciliation.

The ICWPS proves to be a landmark event, offering a vital platform for global collaboration and progress on the WPS agenda. By bringing together leaders, advocates, and organizations, it created a space for sharing best practices and strategizing solutions. The ICPWS contributes to the plans of the 84 participating countries in addressing issues related to WPS, which can lead to gender-responsive conflict resolution on the ground. The conference's outcomes, including the Pasay Declaration on WPS and the establishment of a Center of Excellence on WPS, offer a roadmap for empowering women and girls around the world, ultimately paving the path for a more peaceful and secure future for all.

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