INSTITUTIONAL COOPERATION FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF UN RESOLUTION 1325: WOMEN, PEACE, AND SECURITY. WRITTEN BY WILSON BABANGIDA AGBOTI



INSTITUTIONAL COOPERATION FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF UN RESOLUTION 1325: WOMEN, PEACE, AND SECURITY. WRITTEN BY Wilson Babangida AGBOTI


Introduction

The United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325 is a groundbreaking mandate that addresses the disproportionate impact of conflict on women and the critical role women must play in peacebuilding and post-conflict reconstruction. As a seasoned defense and development consultant and an advocate for gender equality through my leadership at Community Impact Affinity (CIA), I have witnessed the transformative power of institutional cooperation in driving sustainable development goals (SDGs). This article delves into the role of institutional cooperation in implementing Resolution 1325, drawing from my own experiences, global examples, and the broader framework of peace and security and sustainability.

 

The Significance of Resolution 1325

Adopted in 2000, UNSCR 1325 laid the foundation for addressing the underrepresentation of women in conflict prevention, resolution, and peacebuilding. It recognizes that sustainable peace requires the inclusion of women at all decision-making levels, from local communities to global institutions. The resolution encompasses four pillars: Participation, Protection, Prevention, and Relief and Recovery.

Despite the progress in policy-making and the establishment of legal frameworks, the implementation of UNSCR 1325 continues to face challenges, especially in regions affected by ongoing conflict. As the Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of CIA, my organization is dedicated to promoting gender equality, which aligns with the goals of Resolution 1325. Through our initiatives, we seek to empower women and ensure they are active participants in peace processes and development initiatives.

 

Institutional Cooperation as a Key Driver

To successfully implement Resolution 1325, institutional cooperation is crucial at national, regional, and international levels. Institutions such as governments, civil society organizations, and international bodies must work in tandem to ensure that the resolution's mandates are not just theoretical frameworks but are embedded in actionable policies and practices.

 

In my role as a senior consultant for the International Society of Diplomats (ISD), I am involved in numerous global events and initiatives focusing on peace, diplomacy and regional security, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts between institutions. My continuous involvement and recent participation in events organized by the Royal Institute of International Affairs (Chatham House), where discussions centered around sustainability and women's empowerment is also worthy of note. Institutional cooperation was identified as a key pillar in addressing issues such as gender-based violence and ensuring women's inclusion in peace negotiations.

Furthermore, as a Lead Consultant/CEO in the World Bank’s M&E Contract, 'The Eyes and Ears' project in Kaduna, Nigeria, where my team and I monitored and evaluated the implementation of a Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) project under the Ministry of Budget and Planning, we demonstrated the importance of institutional collaboration. The project’s success was rooted in gender inclusivity within my project team of 7-8 professional and experienced consultants and the partnerships between local governments, international organization (World Bank), and local communities, which can also serve as a model for the implementation of Resolution 1325. We believe that an effective RBM Framework brings about sustainable development and sustainable development brings peace and stability as well as legitimacy in governance.

 

Global Examples of Institutional Cooperation

Globally, several countries and organizations have demonstrated the value of cooperation in implementing UNSCR 1325. Norway stands out for its National Action Plan (NAP), which integrates the expertise of both governmental and non-governmental organizations to ensure that women’s contributions to peace processes are recognized and valued. Similarly, in Afghanistan, the Afghan Women’s Network collaborates with international donors and the Afghan government to advocate for women’s rights in post-conflict reconstruction and peace negotiation.

In Nigeria, the efforts of civil society organizations like Women in Peacebuilding Network (WIPNET) have been instrumental in ensuring that women are not left out of peace processes, particularly in conflict-ridden regions such as the North-East. The work of organizations like WIPNET highlights the need for constant engagement and cooperation among national and international institutions to implement Resolution 1325 effectively.

 

Challenges and the Path Forward

Despite these efforts, challenges remain in ensuring the full implementation of UNSCR 1325. One of the main barriers is the lack of political will at both national and international levels. Additionally, the underfunding of gender-sensitive programs hampers the ability of institutions to implement the resolution's mandates fully. In my career, I have seen first-hand the critical need for targeted funding to support gender-specific interventions, as evidenced by my work on various projects addressing women’s inclusion and regional security.

To overcome these challenges, there must be a renewed focus on capacity-building and resource mobilization. International organizations, such as the United Nations, must continue to provide technical and financial support to national governments and local organizations to ensure the sustained implementation of Resolution 1325. Moreover, the role of digital technology and cybersecurity in supporting women’s participation in peace processes cannot be overlooked. As an ICT graduate and a defense consultant, I see the increasing relevance of digital platforms in fostering collaboration across institutions and enhancing the visibility of women peacebuilders globally.

 

Conclusion

Institutional cooperation is the backbone of the successful implementation of UNSCR 1325. As global actors work to promote peace, security, and sustainable development, the inclusion of women in these processes is paramount. My experience as a defense and development consultant, working with organizations like the Armed Forces of Nigeria, USAID, WaterAid and membership with Chatham House, has reinforced my belief that cooperation among local, national, and international institutions is essential. Moving forward, greater emphasis should be placed on building strong partnerships, increasing financial support for gender-sensitive programs, and ensuring that women’s voices are central in peace and security dialogues.

By embedding gender perspectives into institutional frameworks and fostering collaborative efforts, the global community can better realize the vision of UNSCR 1325—a world where peace is inclusive and sustainable, and women are empowered as key players in conflict resolution and peacebuilding.

 

References:

- United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325. Available at: [UNSCR 1325](https://www.un.org/womenwatch/osagi/wps/)

- Afghan Women’s Network and Norway’s National Action Plans (Examples of global efforts)

- [Women in Peacebuilding Network (WIPNET)](https://www.wanep.org/wanep/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=66:wipnet)

 

October 2024 

Publisher: BA integrated Press




 

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