Japan marks 25 years of the WPS agenda
The symposium commemorated the 25th anniversary of United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325, adopted in 2000, which emphasized the importance of women’s participation in conflict prevention and peacebuilding. The event underscored how far the international community has come and what challenges remain to ensure equal participation of women in all areas of peace and security.
Vice-Minister Onishi highlights Japan’s global leadership
Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Yohei Onishi attended the reception following the symposium, hosted by the Norwegian Ambassador to Japan. In his address, Onishi noted that Japan and Norway are co-chairing the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Focal Points Network in 2025, a group that brings together over 100 members from 96 nations and 10 regional organizations to share strategies and best practices for implementing the WPS agenda.
He reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to strengthening women’s participation in peacebuilding and policymaking, especially amid growing global instability. Onishi emphasized that integrating gender perspectives into national and international policy is essential to achieving lasting peace and stability. He added that Japan will continue to use its experience as co-chair to foster deeper collaboration among governments, international organizations, and civil society working on WPS issues.
Global experts share insights on women’s role in peacebuilding
The symposium featured a video address from Nyaradzayi Gunbonsvanda, Deputy Executive Director of UN Women, who praised global efforts to expand women’s participation in peace initiatives. This was followed by keynote speeches from Ambassador Takahashi Katsuhiko, Japan’s Ambassador for WPS, and Signe Gilen, the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Special Envoy for WPS. Both speakers reflected on progress made since 2000 and highlighted the need for continued global commitment to advancing the WPS agenda.
A panel discussion brought together experts from diverse sectors who explored how technological innovation, including artificial intelligence, could contribute to achieving WPS goals. The panelists also discussed practical ways to involve younger generations in peacebuilding and gender equality advocacy, noting that youth engagement will be critical for the future of global peace and security.
Commemorating a milestone in global peace efforts
The event served as a reminder of the significance of UNSCR 1325, the first-ever UN resolution to formally recognize the link between gender equality and sustainable peace. It reaffirmed that lasting peace cannot be achieved without the full participation and protection of women in peace processes and decision-making.
Since the adoption of the resolution, Japan has implemented three national action plans to promote the WPS agenda. These plans focus on supporting women’s roles in conflict prevention, ensuring protection against gender-based violence, and enhancing women’s leadership in peacebuilding both domestically and internationally.
About the WPS Focal Points Network
The WPS Focal Points Network connects UN Member States and regional organizations committed to advancing women’s inclusion in peace and security efforts. Established to encourage cooperation, the network enables members to exchange experiences, success stories, and innovative approaches to WPS implementation. As co-chairs in 2025, Japan and Norway aim to strengthen international cooperation and ensure that gender perspectives remain central to global peace and security discussions.
The symposium concluded with a shared commitment to continue fostering gender equality and peacebuilding worldwide. With Japan and Norway taking the lead, the WPS agenda is set to move forward with renewed energy, inclusivity, and collaboration.