In a video keynote address at the Women Political Leaders Summit on 21 June 2021, NATO’s Secretary General stressed the importance of gender equality to NATO’s mission.
“The best way to protect our security and way of life is to stand united and draw on all of the talents that our societies have to offer”, he said. “Gender equality is not only the right thing to do, but also the smart thing to do”.
The online event, entitled “Building Forward: Women Political Leaders Determining the New Normal”, was co-chaired by Women Political Leaders and Amina J. Mohammed, United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, with advisory support from the United Nations Office for Partnerships. It brought together leaders from around the world to discuss how to support, increase and sustain women’s leadership and gender equality in the post-pandemic era.
NATO has long recognized the need for increased women’s participation and leadership in defence and security. Since 2018, its revised policy on Women, Peace and Security requires the integration of the gender perspective across all Alliance policies, programmes, missions and operations. It also encourages a more gender-inclusive environment and sets the highest standards of behaviour for NATO personnel.
At the Brussels Summit on 14 June 2021, NATO Leaders took a new significant step with the endorsement of NATO’s new policy on Preventing and Responding to Conflict-Related Sexual Violence.