During his speech, the President of the Republic considered that "the role of women in peacebuilding is an unquestionable reality and their involvement is essential, given their relevance in the dynamics of communities, their direct experience of the impact of conflicts and their ability to promote dialogue and reconciliation".
"Our experience in building peace after a long armed conflict has taught us the importance of involving women in all stages of the peace process", he added.
The President also considered that "Angola has played its role in preventing and resolving conflicts with various mediation actions and diplomatic initiatives, working tirelessly with regional and international partners to ensure that the stability" of the continent "is a permanent commitment to sustainable development, security and the well-being of all African citizens".
Therefore, "Angola, as the host country of this forum and with the current presidency of the International Conference for the Great Lakes Region, reaffirms its commitment to promoting peace, security and gender equality", he added.
In his speech, the Head of State also highlighted the "courage of women who stand up to negotiate peace, rebuild their communities and heal the wounds of war".
"Despite these good examples, women are still very underrepresented in formal processes of prevention, management, resolution of armed conflicts and reconciliation between conflicting parties, which is why we need to intensify, in the current context of regional security, our efforts to remove the barriers that prevent or limit their participation, giving greater weight to the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1325, which recognizes the need for women's involvement in peace and security processes", he considered.
He also mentioned that "women, as caregivers, educators and community leaders, have taken the lead in peace initiatives in communities, acting as mediators and negotiators in local conflicts, building the trust that is so necessary in this type of process, bridging divides and facilitating dialogue".
Among other aspects, he also considered that "actions in this area should continue to be encouraged because, at the end of each small assessment, they really contribute to a safer and more prosperous Africa, where the real integration and valorization of women in defense policies, internal security, conflict resolution and participation in the post-conflict phase must be a priority for the integral development" of Africa.
João Lourenço honored for his leadership role in women's empowerment
In addition to the speech by the President of the Republic, another highlight of the first day of the forum was the tribute paid to João Lourenço.
According to a statement from the Presidency of the Republic, to which VerAngola had access, João Lourenço "was awarded for his commitment to empowering women in Africa and efforts to bring peace to the Democratic Republic of Congo, in an assessment by the African Women's Network".
On the occasion, the President of the Republic received the plaque and took photographs flanked by "notable women from Africa such as Sahle-Work Zewde, former President of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia; Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former President of the Republic of Liberia and 2011 Nobel Peace Prize winner, and Amina Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, among others".
Under the motto "Strengthening women's participation and leadership in peace and security processes in the Great Lakes region", the forum is taking place in Luanda until Saturday.
