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Excellences, dear friends,

On behalf of the National Assembly of Armenia, I would like to express my appreciation for all the perspectives being shared today.

The Armenian Parliament, the Government of Armenia and the Women Political Leaders network had to postpone the Summit in Yerevan, but we find it important to share our messages on the role of women in building democracy, peace and security. With conflicts and crises on the rise, they are as relevant as ever, across continents, cultures and political systems.

In Armenia, women constitute thirty-three percent of parliamentarians. Yet, we still lack genuine representation at the local and regional level, as well as equal representation in the defense sector.

The vast majority of Armenians forcibly displaced weeks ago by Azerbaijan from Nagorno-Karabakh are women and children, yet their voices were never heard in international fora, and their plea for justice was dismissed.

We can easily see this appalling reality in basically every conflict and emergency situation, when the marginalization and exclusion of vulnerable groups, as well as the denial of fundamental rights, would grow into crises, violence and war.

We strongly believe that human rights, peace and security are interdependent and mutually reinforcing. Gender equality and meaning participation of women are important foundation for building justice at home and pursuing dialogue beyond borders.

Nowadays, Armenia hosts more than one hundred thousand refugees from Nagorno-Karabakh- survivors of an inhumane blockade, ethnic cleansing and other awful crimes. But I am convinced that the women of Nagorno-Karabakh will be at the forefront of the struggle for sustainable solutions, including the right to return in safety and dignity and live peacefully in their native land, and the right to build a democratic society, free from pressure and discrimination.

Dear friends,

War and humanitarian emergencies in our region forced us to postpone the WPL summit, but also made us more resolute in joining forces to amplify the diverse voices of women leaders to prevent conflict elsewhere, by initiating dialogue and demanding peace.

Armenia highly values the immense work done by the leadership and team of the WPL for preparation of the Summit. I truly hope that soon we will have an opportunity to welcome you all to Yerevan.