Words Matter: Language, Representation and the Future of Global Governance

The language of multilateralism is never neutral.

United Nations resolutions do more than establish mandates—they define priorities, confer legitimacy, and determine whose experiences become part of the international agenda. What is written into multilateral decisions influences what governments finance, what institutions implement, and ultimately whose security matters.

Over the past decade, the international community has repeatedly reaffirmed its commitment to gender equality, women's leadership and the Women, Peace and Security agenda. Yet new research by GWL Voices suggests that these commitments are increasingly absent from one of the UN's most influential decision-making bodies.

Drawing on an original analysis of Security Council resolutions adopted in 2015, 2020 and 2025, the Words Matter reveals a worrying trend: references to women and gender are becoming less frequent, less substantive and less operational, despite growing global commitments.

At a moment when the UN is reflecting on its future through UN80 and discussions on multilateral reform, the findings raise a broader question: Who gets written into global governance—and who is left out?

For more information, please visit www.gwlvoices.org