Statement by the Permanent Representative of Brazil to the United Nations, Ambassador Sérgio França Danese, at the Open Debate on Women, Peace, and Security - October 6th, 2025

Mr. Chair,

I thank Russia for convening today's meeting. This is not merely a mandated meeting, but an occasion to recognize the women and men who contributed to the WPS agenda in the last quarter century.

In this 25th anniversary of the inclusion of Women, Peace and Security in the agenda of the Council, we witness two concerning inter-related trends. On the one hand, rising military expenditures, militarized narratives and disregard for international law, leading to a growing number of armed conflicts, including the ongoing genocide in Gaza. On the other hand, vile political attacks on gender equality and the universal human rights of women, both at the domestic and international levels.

As the founders of the WPS agenda have known all along, raising women's voices in favor of the peaceful resolution of conflicts and against militarization stands up to male-dominated security and defense institutions. It challenges deeply rooted gender stereotypes that have no place in present day societies. In order for us to forestall attempts to roll back on hard-earned achievements we must work towards building just, democratic, and inclusive institutions, grounded in gender equality and strengthened by the active participation of women in all spheres of decision-making.

Inspired by the vision of Dr. Bertha Lutz, one of only six women plenipotentiary delegates in the San Francisco Conference, Brazil is determined to continue to advocate for women's full, equal, meaningful and safe participation in all matters related to international peace and security, giving them a fair chance at making things different.

For Brazil, WPS and peacebuilding are inseparable. Lasting peace requires sustainable development, institution-building, and efficient justice for all, to which women can contribute their expertise, not limited to gender issues.

As Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission last year, Brazil made WPS a priority. Guided by the PBC Gender Strategy and Action Plan, Brazil made a point to mainstream a gender perspective across the Commission's work, including by inviting women briefers and emphasizing the need for adequate financing for women-led initiatives and women peacebuilders. We are proud participants in the Secretary-General`s Common Pledge on Women`s Full, Equal and Meaningful Participation in Peace Processes, convinced that women are at the center of conflict prevention, mediation, and post-conflict recovery.

Mr. Chair,

Women are indispensable to peace and security, and their rights and dignity are non-negotiable.

In today's deeply fragmented geopolitical landscape, we must challenge the prevailing destructive narratives that conflict is inevitable and that excessive militarization is the only path forward. Both assumptions are flawed and self-defeating. Instead, we need to embrace frameworks that center peace as not only achievable, but necessary. The women, peace and security (WPS) agenda exemplifies this approach, offering pathways toward sustainable peace through inclusive participation and comprehensive conflict prevention.

Brazil remains firmly committed to promoting the contribution of women, in all their diversity, to shaping the peace and security for our time.

Thank you.