KUALA LUMPUR: Gender equality is critical for the long-term development and future of the nation, particularly in the sustainment of peace.
Equally important is the influence and power of women in the decision-making process, said Malaysian National Defence University vice-chancellor Lt Gen Datuk Hasagaya Abdullah.
"The interconnection between the role of women, world peace and security compels us to look at these issues together.
"We know that our governments and all decision-makers are ready to lead the charge for equality of women on women's terms, to take the lead in making pledges and to help move those commitments forward.
"This must be championed by those who have power, wealth and influence.
"We want them to be our partners in executing the catalytic activities that we have planned together, as well as in implementing the requests of women and protecting their rights," he said in his closing remarks at the 'Pocket Talk: Women in Peace and Security'.
The event was held in conjunction with the 2022 Defence Services Asia (DSA) and National Security Conference Asia (Natsec) at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) in Dutamas.
Hasagaya said people know that change was possible and change was what they must fight for.
He said the talk had been effective in meeting its objectives of providing a platform for exchange of information and enhancing knowledge on the role of women in peace and security.
Additionally, it was aimed at expanding industrial relations and corporate affairs between government agencies and industrial players at the national and international levels.
He said the talk was to enhance the image and role of women in defence and security through continuous learning, research and innovation.
"We have emphasised the importance of women's leadership and participation in conflict prevention, resolution, and peace-building, particularly the need to increase women's representation at all levels of decision-making at the national, regional, and international institutions and mechanisms for conflict prevention and resolution.
"Gender-related problems should be at the forefront of our efforts in all discussions connected to maintaining peace, and all agencies of the United Nations must be ready to assist member states to fulfil this noble objective," Hasagaya said.
Therefore, he said all approaches that involve the role of women in peace and security, development, human rights, and humanitarian action are required to successfully maintain peace.
"As a result, we should work together to create the society we want and to effect the changes we desire.
"We have a lot of work ahead of us in order to strive for this goal and we can only attain this if we all work collectively and cooperatively," he said.