Monrovia, Liberia – The Minister of National Defense, B/G. General Geraldine J. George has called on members’ countries of the United Nations to take immediate action in empowering women in peace and security as it is not just a matter of justice but a strategic necessity.
She also urged the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1325, which she said will give women impacted by violent situations their dignity and hope back. “It is time to translate our commitment to the women, peace and security agenda into tangible action, including increased support for women’s organizations and holding governments accountable for their commitments to gender equality and protecting women’s rights in conflict settings.”
As a panelist at the RIGA Conference, which was held in the Republic of Latvia with the topic “Navigating Global Challenges Together,” Liberia’s defense minister made the claims.
In the meantime, the defense minister invited her esteemed panelists to join her in urging conflict areas worldwide to commit to an unconditional halt to hostilities in order to restore human dignity, particularly for women and children who are the victims of these bitter exchanges.
Minister George also reminded her audience that, because of the complex challenges that security issues like organized crime, cyber violence, terrorism, and hybrid threats which are common in the Euro-Atlantic basin—pose to the global community, it is critical to take into account all options for strengthening cooperative efforts, including the gender perspective in security.
Every year, academics, journalists, business leaders, and regional and global specialists in foreign policy and defense gather at the Rīga Conference to debate and evaluate issues impacting the transatlantic community. The conference, which has been held in the capital of Latvia since 2006, has gained regional recognition as an annual event.
Patricia Nguyen, NATO International Military Staff (IMS) Office of General Advisor (GENAD); Brig Gen Geraldine Janet George, Liberia’s Minister of Defense; Ariela Blätter, President, Women in International Security; Olena Suslova, Founder of the Women’s Information Consultative Center in Ukraine; and Andrejs Pildegovičs, Ambassador at Large on Global and Multilateral Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Latvia, were among the prominent women from around the world who attended this year’s conference.
Reported by: Prince Saah
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