ECA hosts a High-Level Policy Dialogue to assess implementation of Security Council Resolution 1325 in Africa

05 February 2008 (ECA) - Over 12 African Ministers in charge of Gender and Women's Affairs, as well as Justice and Defense, in addition to a number of senior government officials and representatives from various regional organizations will gather in Addis Ababa from 6-8 February to participate in a High-Level Policy Dialogue on national implementation of Security Council Resolution (SCR) 1325 on women, peace and security. It is to be noted that some of participating countries are either in conflict, or recovering from past conflicts, or participating in peace building efforts.

Ms. Rachel Mayanja, the Special Adviser to the UN Secretary General on Gender Issues, is expected to lead the Dialogue, which is jointly organized by the Office of the Special Adviser (OSAGI) and ECA's African Center for Gender and Social Development.

Several women's human rights experts and activists are also expected to join the Dialogue as observers given their past and present role in conflict mediation, or their role in research, advocacy and outreach to African women's groups.

The objectives of the Dialogue are to (i) increase awareness of the resolution; (ii) mobilise governments to take action to implement the resolution, including through the development of national plans of action for 1325; (iii) and build capacity within the public sector to incorporate the resolution in their sectoral plans.

The High-Level Policy Dialogue will also avail participants with a unique opportunity to share experiences in implementing the SCR 1325.

The Dialogue will also be attended by members of the Bureau of the Committee on Women and Development (CWD), which is scheduled to convene its meeting on February 8 to plan for the Beijing +15 review of progress achieved in implementing Beijing +10 Outcome Document and ECA's Follow up Strategy.