Sanam Naraghi Anderlini is a leading voice in the field of peacebuilding and women’s rights, and her work has had a significant impact on the United Nations (UN) and its efforts towards reform. Anderlini’s approach to UN reform is centered around the concept of “civilian power” and the crucial role that civilians, particularly women, play in creating sustainable peace and security.
In her book, “Women Building Peace: What They Do, Why It Matters”, Anderlini highlights the important role of women in peacebuilding and conflict resolution. She argues that women are not just victims of war, but also agents of change who possess unique skills and perspectives that are essential for building lasting peace. This perspective has been instrumental in shaping the UN’s approach to peacebuilding and has led to the adoption of several key resolutions and policies that prioritize the inclusion of women in peace processes.
One of Anderlini’s most significant contributions to UN reform is her work on the UN Security Council Resolution 1325, which was adopted in 2000. This resolution recognizes the disproportionate impact of war on women and calls for their participation in all aspects of peacebuilding and conflict resolution. Anderlini played a crucial role in the drafting and adoption of this resolution, which has since been followed by several other resolutions that further strengthen the role of women in peacebuilding.
Anderlini’s work has also been instrumental in shifting the focus of UN peacekeeping missions from a purely military approach to a more comprehensive and inclusive one. She has advocated for the inclusion of civilian experts, particularly women, in peacekeeping missions to address the root causes of conflict and promote sustainable peace. This approach has been reflected in the UN’s “Women, Peace and Security” agenda, which recognizes the crucial role of women in peacekeeping and calls for their increased participation in all levels of decision-making.
In addition to her work on women’s inclusion in peacebuilding, Anderlini has also been a vocal advocate for the protection of civilians in conflict zones. She has highlighted the devastating impact of war on civilians, particularly women and children, and has called for stronger measures to protect them. Her advocacy has led to the adoption of the “Protection of Civilians” agenda by the UN, which aims to prevent and respond to violence against civilians in conflict-affected areas.
Anderlini’s work on UN reform goes beyond policy and advocacy; she has also been actively involved in training and capacity-building programs for UN staff and member states. She has conducted numerous workshops and trainings on gender-sensitive peacebuilding and has worked closely with UN agencies to integrate a gender perspective into their programs and policies. Her efforts have helped to build a more gender-responsive and inclusive UN system.
Anderlini’s approach to UN reform, centered around the concept of “civilian power”, has been widely recognized and praised by policymakers, academics, and civil society organizations. Her work has had a significant impact on the UN’s efforts towards creating a more inclusive, gender-responsive, and effective international peace and security architecture.
In conclusion, Sanam Naraghi Anderlini’s contributions to UN reform and her advocacy for the inclusion of women and civilians in peacebuilding have been invaluable. Her work has helped to shape the UN’s policies and approaches towards peace and security, and her efforts continue to inspire and motivate others to work towards a more peaceful and just world. As we move towards a more uncertain and complex global landscape, Anderlini’s ideas and insights will continue to be crucial in shaping the future of the UN and its role in promoting peace and security.
