| Lebanese First Lady Calls for Peace in Lebanon and Women’s Empowerment at UN Assembly |
António Guterres - Secretary-General of the UN with Lebanese First Lady Nahmat Aoun ** Quote: "Peace in Lebanon and the cessation of war are part of peace in
the Middle East. When Lebanon stabilizes and regains its peace,
neighboring countries will also stabilize...Nehmat Aoun said
|
Lebanese First Lady Calls for Peace in Lebanon and Women’s Empowerment at UN Assembly
Address to the United Nations General Assembly Hall, New York — Monday, 22 September 2025
(See translation in Arabic section)
Sydney-Middle East Times Int'l: Lebanese First Lady Nehmat Aoun affirmed that "Lebanon stands today at a crossroads." She declared, "The recovery and stability of our country depend on ending the war on Lebanon and advancing the political and economic reform process. This also requires empowering women and trusting their abilities. Their role is not symbolic, but essential and fundamental in building peace, justice, and prosperity."
She emphasized that "peace in Lebanon and the cessation of war are part of peace in the Middle East. When Lebanon stabilizes and regains its peace, neighboring countries will also stabilize and benefit from its influence. Along with them, the conditions of Lebanese women—and all women in the East—will improve, enabling them to reclaim their rightful role and dignity. Internally, a new understanding is emerging: there can be no true sovereignty in Lebanon if women are not masters of their destiny; no reconstruction or state-building if women are absent from the halls of power; and no economic prosperity if women are denied their right to education, work, and equality."
The First Lady’s remarks were delivered on behalf of Lebanon during the 30th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women and the adoption of the "Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action," held today at United Nations Headquarters in New York.
Speech Highlights
In her official speech, the Lebanese First Lady said:
"Madam President, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, I am honored to stand before you today, representing Lebanon, as we commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, the cornerstone of our shared global commitment to gender equality and the empowerment of women.
Six months ago, at the 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women, I spoke about the heroic sacrifices of Lebanese women, who have contributed to the resilience of Lebanese society during the various crises that have swept across our nation—and continue to afflict it.
Today, Lebanon stands at a crossroads. The recovery and stability of our country depend on ending the war on Lebanon and advancing political and economic reform. This also requires empowering women and trusting their abilities. Their role is not symbolic, but essential and fundamental in building peace, justice, and prosperity.
Lebanon cannot remain hostage to the calculations of war imposed by surrounding powers, whose repercussions only deepen the tragedies faced by Lebanese citizens, especially women. The responsibility for the challenges facing women in Lebanon lies with both external and internal actors. To those abroad, I say: Lebanon’s peace and the cessation of war are part of peace in the Middle East. When Lebanon stabilizes and regains its peace, neighboring countries will stabilize and benefit from its influence. With them, the conditions of Lebanese women—and all women in the East—will improve, allowing them to reclaim their role and dignity.
Internally, a new understanding has emerged: there can be no true sovereignty in Lebanon if women are not masters of their destiny; no reconstruction or state-building if women are excluded from the corridors of power; and no economic prosperity if women are deprived of their rights to education, work, and equality.
Lebanon is committed to transforming the Beijing Declaration from words into action. We are preparing to adopt a second national action plan to implement Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security. We stand ready to work with all partners to ensure that every girl and woman in Lebanon lives with dignity, equality, and peace.
In the countries represented here, Lebanese women are contributing through their creativity and achievements. Look at their efforts in building your nations, and imagine with me what the East would look like if the women of Lebanon were given the chance to live in peace." |
