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National Statement of the Republic of Lithuania for the United Nations Security Council Open Debate “Women, peace and security in the next quarter-century: Fulfilling the promise through implementation” delivered by the Permanent Representative of Lithuania to the United Nations H.E. Julius Pranevičius on Tuesday, 27 October, 2026.

I thank Greece for convening this timely debate and the briefers for their insights.

The latest Secretary-General’s report on Women, Peace and Security warns that two decades of progress are unravelling. Hard-won standards are increasingly contested, civic space is shrinking, and women’s organizations in conflict-affected settings receive only 0.4 per cent of aid. At the same time, women remain excluded from decisions on conflict prevention, peace processes and post-conflict recovery.

We must defend the commitments enshrined in [UN Security Council] resolution 1325 and translate them into action. Lithuania remains firmly committed to this task. In this regard, I would like to highlight three priorities.

First, we must ensure women’s full, equal and meaningful participation in decision-making at every stage, from conflict prevention to peacebuilding and recovery. This requires concrete participation targets, gender-responsive mediation and negotiation teams, and transparent reporting on whose voices are reflected in agreements.

Second, we must prevent and address all forms of violence against women and ensure accountability. The recent thematic OHCHR report documented 1,004 cases of conflict-related sexual violence in Ukraine since February 2022. Eighty-nine per cent were attributed to Russian authorities. Accountability for such crimes is essential to deliver justice, prevent recurrence and build sustainable peace.

Third, we must protect women human rights defenders, journalists, peacebuilders, civil society leaders and humanitarian workers. They face threats, intimidation, arbitrary detention and violence, especially in Russia, Belarus, Afghanistan, Iran, Cuba, Sudan and Myanmar. States must ensure conditions for their safe and meaningful participation in public life.

Delivering on these priorities requires adequate and sustained financing. Financial commitments must match political commitments and support local women-led organizations.

For Lithuania, the Women, Peace and Security agenda is an integral part of democratic resilience. Our 2025–2029 National Action Plan focuses on four priorities: improving gender balance in decision-making, removing barriers to women’s participation, promoting zero tolerance for violence against women, and integrating a gender perspective across security and foreign policy.

Mr. President, Lithuania remains committed to translating the Women, Peace and Security agenda into concrete and measurable results.

I thank you.