Ottawa to name new ambassador for women, peace and security, Freeland says

MONTREAL – Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland says Canada will create a new ambassador position dedicated to women, peace and security.

Freeland made the announcement today at a meeting of female foreign affairs ministers in Montreal that she co-hosted with Federica Mogherini, the high representative for the European Union.

Freeland did not offer many details but said the new ambassador would help champion feminist-based aid programs and advocate for more female participation in peacekeeping and conflict resolution.

The two-day summit has brought together at least half of the 30 women who hold foreign affairs portfolios globally, as well as Japan's foreign minister, who is male, and civil society actors.

Mogherini said the meetings touched on many issues including conflict prevention, combating gender-based violence, and sustainable development goals.

She said the group will keep in touch and is planning to meet again next year, just before or after the annual session of the UN General Assembly.