Women and children have become primary targets in today’s armed conflicts and they are suffering unprecedented casualties. Simultaneously, they are emerging as essential partners in brokering lasting peace and as leaders in forging new international laws governing conflict.  Considering that there has been a full decade since the unanimous adoption of the UN SCR 1325, a magnitude of initiatives has been dedicated to the UN SCR 1325 implementation.  The Euro-Atlantic Council of Macedonia, an organization working in the field of security and international relations, demonstrates its commitment by addressing this landmark resolution including the results and achievements from its implementation on national, regional and NATO level.  Additionally, considering that the NATO Strategic Concept 2010 addresses the gender dimension in defense and security and the Alliance’s firm commitment to gender streamlining, the Euro-Atlantic Council of Macedonia Project aims to shed light on the importance of implementation of this Resolution thus strengthening the role of the women on the global stage.  This focus includes highlighting the pivotal role women should play in conflict management, conflict resolution and sustainable peace.

In December 2011, the Euro-Atlantic Council of Macedonia will present the report on the UN SCR 1325: Women Count for Peace and host a one-day conference to commemorate this landmark resolution.  With an eye turned towards translating the promise contained in the UN SCR 1325 into concrete action, this publication and the event endeavor to: address the progress achieved during its implementation; advocate greater women’s engagement on the international peace and security agenda; acknowledge women’s peacemaking roles, as well as the disproportionate impact of violent conflict on women and children.
The one day hosted event will  feature an extraordinary coalition of national and international participants, including UN, NATO and US government officials, the international diplomatic communities, military personnel, academics, civil society leaders, and practitioners in the fields of security, development, and conflict resolution.