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STATEMENT BY AMBASSADOR FOR INTERNATIONAL LAW RENA LEE OF THE REPUBLIC OF SINGAPORE TO THE UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL, ON “WOMEN, PEACE AND SECURITY IN THE NEXT QUARTER-CENTURY: FULFILLING THE PROMISE THROUGH IMPLEMENTATION”, 27 OCTOBER 2026,

27 October 2026

UNHQ, NEW YORK

Thank you Mr President,

              I thank the Greek Presidency for organising this debate on Women, Peace and Security (WPS), and the briefers for their valuable insights.

Mr President,

2            Singapore firmly believes that the meaningful participation of women is essential to building and sustaining international peace and security. Women must not only be protected by international law, but also have an equal opportunity to shape its development, interpretation and application. As Ambassador for International Law, I have advocated the meaningful representation of women in all international legal processes, from treaty-making to the peaceful settlement of disputes. Our experience in a variety of UN processes over the years has convinced me that inclusive international law-making leads to more durable outcomes.

3            Singapore’s commitment to the WPS agenda is not new. We have consistently supported international and regional efforts to advance the agenda, from our co-sponsorship of United Nations Security Council Resolutions (UNSCR) 1888 and 1889, to working with fellow ASEAN Member States to launch the Regional Plan of Action on WPS in 2021. Resolutions 1888 and 1889 recognised conflict-related sexual violence as a threat to international peace and security, and reaffirmed the inclusion of women as active leaders and stakeholders in peace processes. These principles remain relevant today.

4               However Mr President a stark gap remains between our commitments and our actions. The Secretary-General’s report shows that conflict-related sexual violence remains a reality around the world. Many perpetrators go unpunished. The proliferation of conflicts today threatens to expose more women and girls to the horrors of war, in particular, conflict-related sexual violence against them.

5            Singapore supports the Secretary-General’s recommendation for all parties to conflict to cease all forms of conflict-related sexual violence, immediately. We call on all parties to armed conflict to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law, including respecting the special protection of women and girls and facilitating humanitarian relief to assist victims.

6            Singapore is concerned by reports of sexual exploitation and abuse by UN peacekeepers. We support the UN’s victim-centered zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse.

7            Singapore is a firm advocate for greater female inclusion and leadership in peacekeeping and planning. Since 2016, five women have won the Nobel Peace Prize, showing what women leaders can achieve in peacebuilding.

8            Going forward, Mr President, our task is to normalise the inclusion and leadership of women in peace efforts. Singapore reiterates our commitment to supporting the UN and member states’ efforts to build a better future for women and girls everywhere.

9            Thank you.