Kuwait: Women as Partners in Crisis Response, Conflict Resolution, and Sustainable Peacebuilding

Kuwait affirmed on Tuesday that women are partners in resilience against crises and conflicts, active agents in recovering from their repercussions, and an indispensable voice in building a future characterized by security, stability, and peace for all, calling for the enhancement of full and effective women’s participation in sustainable peacebuilding efforts.

This statement was made in Kuwait’s address delivered by Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Wafika Al-Mulla, during an open debate held by the UN Security Council on Women, Peace, and Security.

Al-Mulla praised the role of Kuwaiti women in confronting the challenges the country has faced since the brutal Iraqi invasion, highlighting their resilience and sacrifices, and their contribution to rebuilding the nation and strengthening its security and stability.

She noted that Kuwaiti women continue to serve their country and society, contributing to addressing the repercussions of repeated Iranian aggressions against Kuwait since February 28, 2026, which targeted civilian objects, vital installations, and infrastructure, threatening the safety and security of citizens and residents.

She expressed appreciation for the efforts of Kuwaiti women across various work and responsibility positions, and their dedication alongside their fellow citizens to maintaining social cohesion and continuity of life, emphasizing that women are neither immune to the effects of crises and conflicts nor absent from the response to them.

At the national level, Al-Mulla outlined Kuwait’s efforts to enhance women’s participation in security, justice, and decision-making institutions, as well as its work on developing its first National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security through the National Committee, in collaboration with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) and relevant national entities.

She explained that these efforts aim to integrate the pillars of the Women, Peace, and Security agenda into national policies and plans, and to expand women’s participation in conflict prevention, crisis response, and recovery, in alignment with Kuwait’s Vision 2035 and the Sustainable Development Goals.

She emphasized that women’s participation must begin before conflicts erupt, through their contribution to preventive diplomacy and mediation, and must continue during negotiations, implementation of peace agreements, recovery, and reconstruction.

She stressed that protecting women is a fundamental responsibility requiring respect for international law, including international humanitarian law, protection of civilians and civilian objects, ensuring safe and unhindered access for humanitarian aid, and holding perpetrators of violations accountable.

Al-Mulla warned that escalating conflicts leave enduring repercussions that extend beyond military operations, as women and girls face the loss of family members, displacement, violence, and deprivation of education, healthcare, and livelihoods, while their responsibilities continue to increase.

She noted that more than 25 years after the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 1325, a gap remains between international commitments and the reality faced by women in conflict zones, citing a UN Secretary-General’s report showing that women accounted for only five percent of senior negotiators in 57 peace processes in 2025.

In this regard, Al-Mulla affirmed that sustainable recovery requires empowering women and girls to return to education, access healthcare, regain their livelihoods, and participate in decisions regarding the reconstruction of their communities.

She also stressed the importance of integrating women’s needs and priorities into recovery and reconstruction plans, providing employment opportunities and capacity-building initiatives to enhance their economic independence and their ability to contribute to the future of their families and societies.

Regarding technological developments, she emphasized the importance of leveraging digital tools to enhance women’s participation, facilitate the exchange of expertise, and build capacities, while addressing the threats they face in the digital space, including harassment and disinformation campaigns that may limit their involvement in public life and decision-making.

At the conclusion of her speech, Al-Mulla reaffirmed Kuwait’s commitment to continuing its work with the United Nations, member states, and partners to translate the Women, Peace and Security agenda into tangible reality, stating that sustainable peace is not built in isolation from women, but through their full and effective participation.