Manila Declaration for gender equality, women's role in peace pushed

MANILA – The Philippine government has expressed optimism that the proposed "Manila Declaration" for the promotion of gender equality and women's participation in peacekeeping will be adopted after the International Conference on Women, Peace and Security (ICWPS).

This, as the Philippines is set to host the ICWPS on Oct. 28 to 30 at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City.

Carrying the theme "Forging Collaboration and Convergence for Advancing Women, Peace and Security," the ICWPS will serve as a platform to address the implementation of the United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325, the first and legal document adopted in October 2000 to recognize the role and needs of women in conflict prevention, resolution and peacebuilding.

In a Palace press briefing on Friday, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo said the adoption of the proposed Manila declaration is still under negotiation.

"The major outcome [of the ICWPS] would be a declaration. And we call it the Manila Declaration. It's still being negotiated now in New York, and it is involving all the member states of the UN (United Nations)," Manalo said.

"What we expect is that the declaration will include some key elements. Some of these are affirming commitments to gender equality and women's participation, especially in peacekeeping and peace-building activities. And these are in fact called for in UNSCR 1325," he added.

Representatives from over 57 countries from Africa, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, South Asia, and Asia Pacific, including 25 ministers, vice ministers, and other senior officials, are expected to participate in the ICWPS, Manalo said.

Manalo said the Philippines is bullish that the conference would open more opportunities for collaboration among government, civil society, and international organizations to address sexual and gender-based violence, especially during armed conflict.

"We expect a call for urgent action to address sexual and gender-based violence, especially during armed conflict, and also promote women's leadership in peace processes around the world," he said.

Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said one of the four thematic sessions in the conference was the WPS financing.

She said she would lead the discussions on the impact of financing strategies on WPS initiatives.

"Basically, we want to look at some areas where we can invest more in women, peace, and security, and find ways to explore innovative financing solutions to enhance our WPS investments," Pangandaman said.

Presidential Peace Adviser Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said the Philippines has been at the forefront of advancing gender equality, being the first Asian country to adopt the National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security (NAPWPS).

Philippine Commission on Women chairperson Ermelita Valdeavilla noted that in 2023, a total of P173.2 million was allocated for the implementation of the NAPWPS.

Valdeavilla added that at least five percent of the government's annual budget has been allocated to women- and gender-related concerns.

Galvez said the NAPWPS adoption has helped Filipino women secure key leadership positions in several national government agencies, peace-building bodies and mechanisms, and civil society organizations.

"By bringing peace together, women leaders and peace builders and peace advocates from across the globe, this conference aims to highlight the significant role of women and their meaningful contribution to achieving a just and lasting peace for humanity, especially in areas that are dealing with armed conflict," he said. (PNA)