High-Level Dialogue on Women, Peace and Security “Enhancing Women’s Leadership in Diplomacy, Peace and Security”

Cambodia has made significant strides in advancing the WPS agenda, recognizing the vital role of women in peacebuilding, security, and diplomacy. Since 2006 to June 2025, Cambodia has deployed 10191 (Women 946) UN peacekeepers, underscoring its dedication to global peace and security. It has also prioritized gender balance in its deployments, with women comprising over 20% of its peacekeeping troops since October 2024 one of the few countries globally meeting UN gender targets.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MoFAIC) recognizes the important role of women in contributing to political stability, economic and social development, and peace, plays a critical role in the protection of Cambodian citizens abroad, especially women. Cambodian women’s participation in diplomacy stands at 16%, slightly above the global average of 15%. More efforts are required to accelerate the promotion of women in leadership positions at international levels to reach the ECOSOC Resolution 1990/15 recommendation of 30% minimum for equal representation.

Research on Women in Law Enforcement in the ASEAN Region confirms the pivotal role women play in     deescalating conflict and building trust between police and local communities. Evidence shows that female police officers foster greater community cooperation and enhance perceptions of police legitimacy. Yet, women remain underrepresented in ASEAN law enforcement agencies, ranging from 6% in Indonesia to 20% in Lao People’s Democratic Republic, with Cambodia at 11% in 2024. The gender gap widens in senior ranks. Although Cambodia has no formal target for female police recruitment, a recommendation exists for at least 20% of new recruits to be women.

UN Women, in partnership with the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, has played a key role in advancing the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda through capacity-building workshops, policy dialogues, and strategic advocacy. While notable progress has been made in promoting gender equality, women remain underrepresented in peacebuilding and security processes. To address this gap, UN Women and MoWA, with support from the Governments of Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the Republic of Korea, are co-organizing a High-level Dialogue on Women, Peace and Security. The event will highlight the critical contributions of women in the security sector and diplomacy, and underscore the urgency of inclusive, gender-responsive peacebuilding efforts.

Objectives:

• Highlight women’s roles in diplomacy, peacekeeping, and conflict prevention.
• Provide a platform for women in peacekeeping, diplomacy, and law enforcement to share experiences and inspire others.
• Raise awareness among government and civil society of the importance of women’s inclusion in peacebuilding.
• Foster policy discussions to advance women’s leadership in diplomacy and security.