WOMEN MAKE UP ONLY 5% OF GLOBAL PEACE NEGOTIATORS, SAYS UN CHIEF

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has raised concerns over the low representation of women in global peace negotiations, revealing that women account for only five per cent of negotiators involved in peace processes worldwide.

Guterres said the figures highlight the persistent exclusion of women from important decisions concerning conflict resolution, peacebuilding and international security, despite their significant contributions to maintaining stability in communities affected by violence.

He stressed that women must have a meaningful role in negotiations aimed at ending conflicts, arguing that sustainable peace cannot be achieved when half of the world's population is largely excluded from discussions that shape their future.

According to the UN chief, women are often among the most affected by armed conflicts, facing displacement, sexual violence, economic hardship and the destruction of their communities. However, their voices remain inadequately represented at negotiating tables.

He called on governments, international organisations and parties involved in armed conflicts to remove barriers preventing women from participating in peace processes.

The UN has consistently advocated greater women's participation in conflict prevention and resolution through its Women, Peace and Security agenda, which recognises the importance of gender equality in achieving lasting peace.

Research and international experience have also shown that inclusive peace processes can strengthen the implementation and sustainability of peace agreements by ensuring that different groups within affected communities are represented.

Guterres maintained that women's participation should not be treated as a symbolic gesture but as an essential component of effective diplomacy and conflict resolution.

The warning comes amid ongoing conflicts and humanitarian crises across different parts of the world, where efforts to achieve lasting peace continue to face major challenges.

The UN chief's message reinforces the need for governments and international institutions to create more opportunities for women to influence decisions on security, peace negotiations and post-conflict recovery.