The ASEAN Future Forum highlighted the impact of digital transformation on the Women, Peace, and Security agenda. Experts emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts to address digital gaps and empower women in peacekeeping. Discussions included challenges such as cyber threats and the need for gender-inclusive digital frameworks in the context of emerging security issues in Southeast Asia.
During a recent roundtable discussion held in Hanoi as part of the ASEAN Future Forum, experts examined the considerable impacts of digital transformation on the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda in the region. They highlighted the necessity for coordinated efforts across multiple sectors to ensure that women are not marginalized in the ongoing digital evolution.
The forum titled ‘Women, Peace and Security-Digital Inclusion for Sustainable Peace’ centered on addressing digital gaps that exist between genders, particularly in peacekeeping roles. Attendees proposed specific recommendations aimed at enhancing the implementation of the WPS agenda within this digital context.
Kung Phoak, Cambodia’s Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, acknowledged ASEAN’s significant contributions towards advancing the WPS agenda. However, he raised concerns about the challenges in synchronizing national and regional priorities, emphasizing that rapid national changes sometimes outpace the regional agenda.
Lieutenant Sa Minh Ngoc from the Việt Nam Peacekeeping Department shared insights on how digital technology has empowered women within peacekeeping operations. She cited examples from Somalia and Uganda where digital innovations have played a vital role in preventing conflicts and facilitating women’s participation in community rebuilding efforts.
Ngoc noted that despite the potential of digital tools, significant barriers such as limited connectivity and resources exist in many post-conflict regions. She emphasized that without comprehensive digital infrastructure, the proposed advancements for women may remain largely inaccessible.
Women in conflict zones also face heightened risks of violence and limited access to decision-making platforms. As their engagement in digital spaces increases, so does their vulnerability to cyber threats and misinformation, emphasizing the need for gender-inclusive digital solutions.
Ryce Chanchai from UN Women explained that ASEAN is uniquely positioned to address emerging non-traditional security challenges. She cautioned that the intersection of traditional and non-traditional threats is increasingly complex, particularly with regards to cybercrime and misinformation.
Chanchai highlighted alarming statistics regarding trafficking for online scams in Southeast Asia, advocating for a gender-focused approach in regional cybersecurity strategies. She also suggested the integration of youth into the WPS agenda to foster digital engagement and security.
British Ambassador to ASEAN, Sarah Tiffin, remarked on the positive impact of digital connectivity in facilitating peace processes. She pointed out that technology enables broader engagement from previously marginalized groups, while also presenting risks such as increased surveillance.
Tiffin shared the UK’s experiences in developing comprehensive digital frameworks that include clear targets for women’s representation in cyber policymaking, emphasizing collaboration with civil society and the private sector to create more inclusive digital policies.
The roundtable discussion revealed critical insights on the interplay between digital technology and the Women, Peace, and Security agenda in ASEAN. It underscored the need for coordinated efforts to promote women’s active participation and address digital gaps. The call for gender-inclusive frameworks and policies was prominent, particularly as the region grapples with the consequences of cyber threats and the evolving landscape of peace and security.
Original Source: vietnamnews.vn
