On the 20th anniversary of UN SCR 1325 (2000), we welcome you to an interactive discussion exploring the linkages between the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda and arms control and disarmament.

Panelists will take stock of progress achieved so far and examine further possibilities to integrate WPS priority topics into arms control and disarmament processes and vice-versa. Main questions for discussion include:

• How can arms control regulations (e.g. the Arms Trade Treaty, regional frameworks, national legislation) advance the goals of the WPS agenda – and vice versa?

• How do arms control and disarmament feature in SCR 1325 National Action Plans (NAPs) and in their implementation? What are the main gaps and opportunities for better integration?

• What are the main trends related to gender mainstreaming in arms control that could inform future developments in the WPS agenda?

• What practical measures could be taken by states and multilateral organizations to enhance synergies between the WPS agenda and arms control and disarmament and progress these agendas?

The event will also mark the launch of a new UNIDIR research report “Connecting the Dots: Arms Control, Disarmament and the Women Peace and Security Agenda”. The report identifies best practices in gender-responsive arms control and proposes a comprehensive approach to translate the WPS framework into disarmament action.

SPEAKERS:

• Izumi Nakamitsu, UN High Representative for Disarmament Affairs
• Mary Robinson, Chair of The Elders
• Lansana Gberie, Ambassador of Sierra Leone to the UN in Geneva and incoming President of the ATT CSP7
• Anthony Keedi, ABAAD– Resource Center for Gender Equality

The discussion will be moderated by Renata Dwan, Director of UNIDIR

This discussion is organized by Australia, Canada, Ireland, Namibia, the Philippines, Sweden, the United Kingdom, UN Women, and UNIDIR.