(BSS) - Bangladesh`s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Irene Zubaida Khan has called for ensuring women`s effective and meaningful participation at every level of decision-making to establish sustainable peace.

"Ensuring women`s effective participation at all levels of decision-making is essential to making peace and security sustainable and inclusive," she said.

The ambassador made the call while speaking at an open debate on Women, Peace and Security (WPS) at the UN Security Council on Wednesday, according to a message received here tonight.

Highlighting Bangladesh`s role as one of the key co-sponsors of UN Security Council Resolution 1325, Irene Khan reaffirmed the country`s commitment to implementing the Women, Peace and Security agenda.

She said grassroots women`s initiatives are important in preventing violence and the escalation of conflicts and establishing sustainable peace.

The ambassador said Bangladesh adopted its National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security six years ago. Following the completion of the first phase of its implementation, work on the second phase is currently underway, she added.

At this stage, Irene Khan said, particular importance is being given to consultations with relevant stakeholders, including civil society and women`s organisations.

She said that alongside training and raising awareness among adolescent girls and young women on violence prevention, their active participation in conflict resolution and mediation at the local level is essential.

Women`s initiatives at the grassroots level can play an important role in preventing the escalation of conflicts and establishing peace, the ambassador added.

She called for additional support for women human rights defenders and organisations, protection of women in conflict-affected areas, and ensuring sustained funding for peacekeeping operations and vulnerable communities.