Shama calls for UN support to enhance women's role in peacebuilding efforts

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam has urged the United Nations (UN) to enhance humanitarian assistance and promote greater involvement of women in peacebuilding initiatives in response to escalating global conflicts and humanitarian challenges.

She made the remarks while addressing the 2026 Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Humanitarian Affairs Segment at the UN Headquarters in New York on Wednesday, according to a press release received on Thursday.

Reiterating Bangladesh’s commitment to humanitarian values, Shama highlighted the country's efforts to expand social safety net programmes, strengthen disaster preparedness, empower women, and support vulnerable communities under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

During the UN Security Council Open Debate on Women, Peace and Security (WPS), she stressed the critical role women play in fostering peace and reconciliation, while also praising the contributions of Bangladeshi women peacekeepers serving in UN missions around the world.

Expressing concern over the hardships faced by women and children in conflict-affected regions, the state minister called for addressing humanitarian funding shortfalls to ensure adequate assistance for those in need.

She also reiterated the importance of sustained international support for the safe, voluntary and dignified repatriation of Rohingya refugees to Myanmar.

As part of her UN engagements, Shama is scheduled to participate today in High-Level Panel Discussion-2 of the 2026 ECOSOC Humanitarian Affairs Segment.

She will also lead the Bangladesh delegation in a bilateral meeting with Sima Bahous, Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN Women, at the UN Headquarters in New York.