New York, NY — The United Nations General Assembly convened this month with global leaders gathering for key sessions, including the annual Women, Peace, and Security conference. Among the participants was the Syrian Democratic Council (SDC), the political representative of the Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria, which joined delegates from around the world to reaffirm the critical role of women in building and sustaining peace.
The conference marked the 25th anniversary of the UN’s landmark Women, Peace, and Security agenda — an initiative born from the recognition that peace processes are more durable and inclusive when women are involved in shaping them.
Representatives from the SDC took part in discussions emphasizing the ways gender equality and women’s empowerment are essential to long-term post-conflict stability. The region represented by the SDC in north and east Syria has implemented a unique governance model that prioritizes gender equity, co-leadership, and women’s rights.
While the SDC engaged with international partners at the General Assembly, Ahmed al-Sharaa addressed the UN General Assembly- the first Syrian president to do so in 60 years. The appearance highlighted Syria’s fractured political landscape. While the northeastern region under the SDC has developed a progressive, decentralized administration, much of the rest of the country remains under centralized control, where concerns are growing over a slide toward authoritarian and religious conservatism.
The contrast between the inclusive model promoted by the SDC and the broader trajectory of the Syrian state was a recurring theme in side discussions. Observers noted the urgency of supporting local models like those present in the north and east that prioritize human rights, particularly women’s rights, as the country continues to grapple with post-conflict recovery and political uncertainty.