Mr. President,

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS) represented at the United Nations, namely Fiji, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Nauru, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, Tonga, Vanuatu, and my own country the Federated States of Micronesia.

I wish to start by thanking the Vietnamese Presidency of the Security Council for convening this important event.

We acknowledge and welcome the progress that has been made in implementing resolution 1325 (2000) as outlined in the Secretary-General’s Report on Women and peace and security (S/2009/465). In particular, we note that there has been progress in developing the capacity of both Member States and UN bodies to implement resolution 1325 (2000). Awareness of, and the capacity to address the issue of women, peace and security on the ground are of course critical elements to successful implementation and we encourage the focus on this matter.

However, as both the Secretary-General’s Report (S/2009/465) notes, and as remarked by the distinguished speakers before me today, much work remains to be done to achieve the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000).

We note of concern that there is still significant progress required in ensuring the equal and substantive participation of women in all levels of peace and security decision making, particularly in negotiations in post conflict situations. We are gravely concerned that the negotiation of peace agreements and planning for disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration continues to take place with little consideration of resolution 1325 (2000).

In overcoming the obstacles to the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000), the PSIDS strongly support the need identified in the Secretary-General’s Report (S/2009/465) to establish effective monitoring and accountability mechanisms for implementation at the global, regional and national level and that the Security Council should establish these mechanisms as a matter of urgency. Without such mechanisms we consider it difficult to make further substantive progress. This should be part of an overall strengthened effort and increased provision of funding by the Security Council, as well as all UN bodies and Member States to implement resolution 1325.

In order to provide a more coordinated approach to the work on women, peace and security we support the appointment of a special representative on women, peace and security by the Secretary-General.

Mr. President,

In discussing the needs of women and girls in post conflict situations under the general topic of implementing resolution 1325 (2000), it is critical to consider the prevention of conflict situations – particularly in relation to the security implications of climate change. Unabated climate change risks increased violent conflict in many parts of the world – and the consequent impacts on women and girls – potentially beyond the capacity of the international community to respond to adequately.

The PSIDS raised the link between climate change and security last year at the open debate on women, peace and security convened by the Security Council under the Presidency of the People Republic’s of China. Since then we have seen the unanimous adoption of Resolution GA/63/281 relating to the possible security implications of climate change. This was the first time the international community recognised an explicit connection between climate change and international peace and security. Pursuant to operative paragraph 2 of the resolution the Secretary-General released his advance report on this matter. We sincerely thank the Secretary-General for his work on this important issue.

We would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Governments of Finland and Liberia for organising the successful high level event on “Peace and Security through Women’s Leadership: acting on 1325 and Climate Change” held last month.

Mr. President,

Adverse impacts of climate change alter the distribution and quality of natural resources such as fresh water, arable land, coastal territory, and marine resources. These changes can increase competition for available resources, weaken Government institutions and lead to internal and international migration. Further, the adverse impacts can create obstacles that substantially interfere with the ability of nations to maintain territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence. All these impacts of climate change create severe risk of increased violent conflict in many parts of the world – and the ensuing impacts on women and girls during and post conflict. We consider that climate change severely jeopardises the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000).

The Secretary-General’s advance report on the possible security implications of climate change emphasised the need to focus on ways to prevent the security implications of climate change and we fully support this approach. By adequately responding to the climate crisis, the international community could prevent likely conflict situations triggered by climate change and the rights of women and children would be protected. This is an opportunity that we must seize.

Additionally, we reiterate our call for climate change and security to be an annual item on the agenda of the UN; and that a focal point within the UN is established to monitor and respond to the growing security implications of climate change.

If the UN responds to the threat of climate change it has the potential to truly prevent conflict and thereby reduce the violence against women.

Mr. President,

The PSIDS confirm their commitment to the full implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) and with the support of all Member States we are hopeful of further advancement as we move towards the 10^th anniversary.

Thank you.