The Alliance’s Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen was pleased with the appointment. “The appointment of Mari Skåre ensures that gender issues will be better taken into account on every level of our activities. I thank Norway for putting forward Marit Skåres candidacy for the post and its support of this appointment”.
This is the first time NATO has appointed a special representative for these issues. Skåre will reinforce and promote the implementation by NATO of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on women, peace and security, and of related resolutions. Her mandate includes raising awareness of NATO’s policies and activities in this area, ensuring their coordination, and cooperating with the United Nations and other relevant organisations.
Norway led the efforts for the implementation of the UN Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 and has strongly advocated follow-up of the resolution in NATO.
Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs Jonas Gahr Støre commented, “Women are severely affected by conflicts today, and are often targeted directly. Promoting women’s participation in peace and security issues has been a high priority for Norway. I therefore welcome the appointment of a special representative for women, peace and security in NATO. Norway has played a proactive role in bringing these important issues onto the Alliance’s agenda. Mari Skåre is well qualified for the job, and we wish her every success in her new position.” Norway adopted its first Action Plan on the implementation of UNSCR 1325 on Women, peace and security in 2006. Read more about Women’s rights and gender equality in the UN on the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
Mari Skåre is currently holding the position of deputy head of the Norwegian Delegation to NATO and starts her new position in September.