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Vietnam highlights women, youth’s role in conflict prevention

Vietnam has underscored the importance of empowering women and settling youth-related issues to the prevention of extremism, violence, and conflicts.
  Chargé d’affaires Nguyen Hoang Nguyen, Deputy Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the United Nations, speaks at the UNSC's open debate. (Photo: VNA)  

Chargé d’affaires Nguyen Hoang Nguyen, Deputy Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the United Nations, attended the UN Security Council (UNSC)'s open debate themed “Promoting Conflict Prevention – Empowering All Actors Including Women and Youth” held in New York from March 13-19.

Addressing the event, Nguyen called on the UNSC to adopt a comprehensive, inclusive, and people-centred approach, and pay due attention to resolving root causes of conflicts to break the vicious circle of underdevelopment, inequality, injustice, and violence.

He held that the UNSC should make better use of available tools like preventive diplomacy, reconciliation, and peaceful settlement of disputes on the basis of international law and the UN Charter. It should also prioritise more investment for trust building efforts and early warning mechanisms, Nguyen added.

The diplomat emphasised the importance of women’s empowerment to conflict prevention, affirming that Vietnam has taken concrete steps to enhance women’s leadership and engagement in all management levels.

The country pledges to continue promoting women’s participation in and contribution to UN peacekeeping operations, Nguyen remarked.

He added Vietnam considers the settlement of youth-related issues like education, employment, and welfare as the key to preventing extremism, violence, as well as risks of conflicts or conflict recurrence.

At the debate, UN Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo and other participants stressed the UNSC’s role and responsibility in conflict prevention. They appealed for effectively implementing UNSC Resolution 1325 on women, peace, and security and for promoting the youth’s involvement in and contribution to peacebuilding.

Many also highly valued the UN Secretary-General’s New Agenda for Peace that focuses on conflict prevention. They welcomed the Peacebuilding Commission’s role in enhancing cooperation among UN agencies, international and regional organisations, and member states to prevent conflicts and maintain sustainable peace and security./.         

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