On March 26, 2021, within the framework of the 30th Anniversary of the Validity of the Treaty of Asuncion, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Argentina, together with the Ambassador of Brazil, the Ambassador of Chile, the Charge d'Affaires ai. of Paraguay and the Minister Counselor of Uruguay in Argentina, signed the Constitutive Act of the Regional Network of Mediators of the Southern Cone – Red Regional de Mediadoras del Cono Sur. This signature is the start of the process that will continue with the signature by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Brazil, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay.

The launch of the Regional Network of Mediators of the Southern Cone (RNMSC) constitutes the materialization of an initiative promoted by Argentina, together with Brazil, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay in 2020, a year that marked the 20th Anniversary of the UNSC adoption of the Resolution 1325 (2000) that established the Women, Peace and Security agenda at the global level.

The RNMSC is created within the framework of the implementation of the UNSC Resolution No. 1325/2000 and in line with the relevance given by the UN Secretary-General to the role of preventive diplomacy, conflict prevention and mediation in the current international context.

The Argentine Republic has adopted gender equality as a State Policy. In line with this, it presented this proposal, to its partners, to create the Regional Network. This proposal not only seeks to highlight the role of women as agents of change but also proves that that women can bring a different experience and perspective to the negotiating table in peace processes. Likewise, it seeks to give visibility to the important work carried out by women for the prevention of conflicts in their communities and the strengthening of the social structures to prevent conflict through dialogue and mediation.

The launch of the RNMSC is an important regional achievement and a joint work together with the MERCOSUR partners and Chile. Likewise, it represents a contribution from the countries of the Southern Cone to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 16. It is linked to the creation of more just, inclusive and peaceful societies. It also reaffirms Argentina's commitment to the Women, Peace and Security agenda and creates a pioneering project in Latin America and the Caribbean.

The RNMSC will be a forum for regional collaboration where women trained in mediation, with a gender perspective, can participate in the negotiation and mediation of peace processes. Their participation will be in situations as humanitarian crisis, conflict or post-conflict and they can also take part in the decision-making at all stages of these processes.

The general objectives of the Regional Network are:  
-    contribute to replicate experiences within the region, through the exchange of good practices and lessons learned,
-    organize and carry out training on international mediation
-    promoting exchange, cooperation and synergy with other regional women networks in the world.

Argentina has an important experience with the Federal Network of Mediators, which was created in 2018 and counts with female mediators from all the provinces in Argentina.  As a country, Argentina will contribute and will share this experience with its partners.

Press release and photos of the launch ceremony can be found at the following link: https://www.cancilleria.gob.ar/es/actualidad/noticias/sola-lanzo-la-red-regional-de-mediadoras-del-cono-sur