NGO CSW/NY Peace Rally

Commemorating UN Security Council Resolution 1325
Thursday 24 October 2024 | 1:00-3:00 PM
Dag Hammarskjold Plaza, New York City

Concept Note

Introduction: The NGO Committee on the Status of Women, New York (NGO CSW/NY) is a substantive committee of the Conference of NGOs (CoNGO) with a membership of over 350
civil society organizations and a reach of 45,000 individuals committed to the vision of a world without gender discrimination and gender-based violence. The committee is a convener of
global civil society for the annual UN Commission on the Status of Women and global gender equality advocacy. The UN Security Council Resolution 1325, adopted in October 2000, marked a historic moment in the global commitment to advancing gender equality and promoting the leadership of women at all levels of decision-making. This resolution recognizes the disproportionate impact of armed conflicts on women and emphasizes the importance of their leadership in conflict prevention, resolution, and peacebuilding processes. To commemorate the anniversary of this significant milestone, NGO CSW/NY is organizing a Peace Rally at Dag Hammarskjold Plaza in New York City on Thursday 24 October 2024 at 1:00 PM.

Objective: The Peace Rally celebrates the 24th anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 (SCR1325), on Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) promoting peace, gender equality,
and women’s empowerment. We aim to raise awareness about the importance of the resolution and its impact on global peace and security. Moreover, the event will provide a platform for
diverse voices to unite and call for collective action toward a more peaceful and gender-inclusive world.

Key Messages:
1. Empowerment of Women: We celebrate the contribution of women to peace and security, emphasizing their participation in decision-making processes.
2. Gender Equality: We advocate for gender equality as a fundamental principle for building peaceful and prosperous societies.
3. SCR 1325: We call for the full financing and implementation of SCR 1325 and subsequent WPS resolutions.
4. Inclusivity: We encourage the involvement of youth, civil society, and marginalized communities in peacebuilding efforts.

Event Highlights:
1. Peace March: Participants will engage in a symbolic peace march from the Church Center for the UN to the Dag Hammarskjold Plaza, carrying banners and placards with
messages promoting gender equality, peace, and the importance of the WPS agenda.

2. Opening Ceremony: The rally will kick off with an opening ceremony featuring prominent speakers, including representatives from Member States, the United Nations,
women’s rights advocates, and peacebuilders. They will highlight the significance of UNSCR 1325, its contribution to global peace, and a call to action.
3. Community Engagement: Local NGOs and community organizations will lend their voices by participating in the march.
4. Networking and Solidarity: The rally will provide a unique networking opportunity for attendees to connect with like-minded individuals and organizations working toward
similar goals. It will foster a sense of solidarity among participants and an effort to contribute to the wider global peace movement.

Target Audience: The event is open to all individuals who are passionate about promoting peace, gender equality, and women’s participation in peace and security efforts. We encourage
the participation of:
● Member States
● United Nations representatives and staff
● Civil society organizations

● Women’s rights activists
● Students and young leaders
● Peace advocates
● Community members

Call to Action: Participants will be encouraged to pledge their support for peace for gender equality, share their insights on social media using event hashtags, and engage with local and
global initiatives promoting peace and women’s empowerment.

Partnerships: This event is made possible through partnerships with UN Women, NGOs, civil society organizations, and local community groups.

Outcome: By the end of the Peace Rally, we aim to achieve the following outcomes:
1. Increased awareness of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 and its importance in advancing gender equality and peace.
2. A renewed commitment to promoting women’s active participation in conflict prevention and resolution.
3. Mobilization of resources and support for initiatives promoting gender equality and peace.
4. Strengthened connections among individuals and organizations dedicated to causes advancing the WPS agenda.

Conclusion: The “Peace Rally Commemorating UN Security Council Resolution 1325” is an opportunity to reflect on the progress made and the work that still needs to be done in achieving
gender equality in peace and security efforts. By commemorating this significant resolution, we aim to galvanize action and empower women to take an active role in building a more peaceful
and secure world. Join us on Thursday 24 October at 1:00 PM in Dag Hammarskjold Plaza, New York City, to be part of this historic event. Together, we can make a difference.