Jacqueline O’Neill, Canada’s Ambassador for Women, Peace and Security, concluded his three-day visit to Bangladesh on Thursday.
While in Bangladesh, Ambassador O’Neill and High Commissioner Lilly Nicholls met with senior government and military leaders, partners from civil society, youth, early career diplomats, and international organisations. The High Commission of Canada in Dhaka said he also met with State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shahriar Alam.
These discussions drew attention to the importance of sustained inclusion of diverse voices, particularly of women, and vulnerable groups, such as refugees, and ethnic minorities, into decision-making processes.
Ambassador O’Neill highlighted that “both countries share deep commitments to multilateralism and peacekeeping, and have long demonstrated leadership on the Women, Peace, and Security agenda. This was a timely and valuable opportunity to exchange experiences, insights, and challenges in implementing respective Women, Peace, and Security National Action Plans.”
He emphasised that diverse voices, in both Canada and Bangladesh, are needed to ensure that all people can benefit from women, including young women, exercising leadership roles in creating and sustaining peace.
