UNITED NATIONS: Senator Farooq Naek of Pakistan emphasized the crucial role of women in peace negotiations during the Annual Parliamentary Hearing, jointly hosted by the President of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).
Addressing over 300 participants from 70 countries at the UN Headquarters in New York, Naek stressed that for peace agreements to be sustainable, they must reflect the interests of the entire population.
Naek highlighted the historical exclusion of women from formal peace talks despite their significant contributions to informal processes. He argued that including women in leadership positions greatly enhances the prospects for peaceful conflict resolution.
Naek urged for the logical and equitable inclusion of women, who represent half of the global population, in peace negotiations.
The Pakistani representative also underscored the importance of involving youth in peace processes, recognizing their unique perspective and potential as agents of peace. Naek emphasized that including young leaders in decision-making fosters innovation and ensures that youth-related issues are prioritized in peace agendas.
Naek lamented the loss of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto in 2007, highlighting her leadership in advancing women’s empowerment and societal progress. He concluded by reiterating that the political participation of women and youth is indispensable for inclusive democracy and greater accountability in public decision-making.
