1 February 2016: At a meeting of the Civil Society Dialogue Network (CSDN), participants highlighted women, peace and security as a theme running through three UN high-level reviews, on peace operations, peacebuilding architecture, and the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325 on Women, Peace and Security. The European Peacebuilding Liaison Office (EPLO) organized the meeting on ‘The 2015 UN Reviews: Civil Society Perspectives on EU Implementation.’

The meeting was part of the preparatory process for the UNGA’s High-Level Thematic Debate on ‘Strengthening the UN’s Role in Peace and Security,’ to be convened by UN General Assembly (UNGA) President Mogens Lykketoft in May 2016. The President’s Office has encouraged interactive dialogues and workshops on the outcomes of the 2015 reviews, with the aim of advancing a new commitment for a solid architecture and collective action on peace and security.

Participants also discussed the implications of the UN reviews for a strengthened UN-EU partnership on conflict prevention, including ways to ensure that processes are more inclusive of women and youth. They highlighted the importance of partnership and close coordination to ensure rapid response and crisis management, as well as to support long-term conflict prevention and peacebuilding.

Reflecting that the UN’s current systems and approaches are not up to the task of saving future generations and responding to new and emerging threats, Lykketoft, speaking via video message, urged participants to delve into the specifics of what needs to change, to build a genuine partnership and create peace and security. He said each of the reviews highlights emerging patterns, including the importance of people-centered approaches.

Over 50 participants, including UN and EU officials and representatives from civil society organizations and academia, participated in the event. A meeting report with civil society recommendations is expected to be released as an input for the consultative process on the High-level Thematic Debate. The UNGA President will hold a briefing on the series of High Level Thematic Debates, on 9 February 2016.

CSDN is a mechanism for dialogue between civil society and EU policy-makers on issues related to peace and conflict. It is co-financed by the EU and managed by the EPLO in co-operation with the European Commission (EC) and the European External Action Service (EEAS). [UNGA President’s Website on Preparatory Process] [Outline of High-level Thematic Debate]