International Conference On Women, Peace & Security Opens in Pasay City, Renews Global Commitment To Women’s Role in Peace
MANILA 28 October 2024 – The International Conference on Women, Peace, and Security (ICWPS) commenced today at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), drawing over 700 delegates, including ministers and high-level officials from 80 countries, to forge new pathways for advancing women’s roles in peace and security.
Hosted by the Philippine Government, led by the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity, the Philippine Commission on Women, and the Department of Budget and Management, in partnership with UN Women, the Philippine Center for Islam and Democracy, and the ASEAN Institute for Peace and Reconciliation, and the support of Senator Loren Legarda, the three-day event is a landmark gathering leading up to the 25th anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 (UNSCR1325) on Women, Peace, and Security (WPS).
The Conference on its first day adopted the Pasay Declaration on Women, Peace and Security. This important outcome document, drafted by the Philippines and previously negotiated among UN Member States represented at the UN headquarters in New York, outlines renewed commitments to accelerate the WPS agenda and serves not just a pledge, but also as a blueprint for action, driving the global community toward a more inclusive, sustainable approach to peace.
The Conference theme, “Forging Collaboration and Convergence for Advancing Women, Peace, and Security,” underscores the need for collective action to integrate women’s voices into peace processes and peacebuilding globally. The Conference brings together leaders from government, civil society, and academia to assess the progress made in the WPS agenda and to strategize on overcoming challenges to women’s participation in peacebuilding.
Day 1 Underscores Philippines' Commitment to WPS and Strategic Partnerships
The Conference opened with a High-Level Segment on Monday morning, featuring remarks from First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos, Secretary for Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo, Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity Carlito Galvez Jr., Secretary for Budget and Management Amenah Pangandaman and Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Amina J. Mohammed.
The session underscored the Philippines’ dedication to championing women’s rights and leadership within peace and security agendas and celebrated the resilience and contributions of women across sectors, setting a tone of inclusivity and collaboration that reflects the Conference’s overarching goals.
Day 1 continued with two high-level panels that tackled strengthening gender-responsive peace and security frameworks. Ministers and high-ranking officials from Algeria, Namibia, Indonesia, Poland, Latvia, Mali, UAE, the Philippines, the UK, and Libya emphasized actionable strategies for governments to implement WPS frameworks effectively and national policies and allocating resources to support women’s leadership in peacebuilding and security initiatives.
Thematic Discussions and Key Outcomes to Shape Future WPS Agenda
The following two days of the Conference will dive deeper into thematic sessions exploring pressing topics in the WPS field, including sustainable financing for WPS initiatives, the role of women in addressing climate-linked security risks, and the development of National Action Plans for WPS (NAPWPS). High-impact discussions aim to inspire concrete, innovative solutions to sustain the WPS agenda amid rising global challenges, from militarization to climate change.
Side events and exhibits will run concurrently, offering delegates diverse perspectives on implementing WPS in different contexts, from local grassroots initiatives to global policy frameworks. These events provide space for religious leaders, civil society, academia, and policymakers to engage directly on niche areas within the WPS framework, including health, justice, and law enforcement’s role in promoting peace.
A Parliamentary Roundtable on Strengthening Legislative Support for the WPS Agenda will bring together global legislators to discuss gender-responsive budgeting, monitoring mechanisms, and legislations that enhance women’s security.
About UNSCR 1325 and WPS
United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325, adopted in 2000, recognizes the crucial role of women in peace and security. It calls for women’s equal participation in all peace efforts and underscores the need to protect women and girls from gender-based violence in conflict zones. As nations unite for ICWPS 2024, the spirit of UNSCR 1325 continues to drive the global vision for peace, prioritizing women’s leadership in building safer, more resilient societies.
Through its hosting, the PH reaffirms its commitment to championing the WPS agenda, ensuring that women are not only present but are called upon to lead in shaping global peace and security. With the support from international and regional partners, ICWPS 2024 is a decisive step toward securing a future where peace is truly a shared endeavor. END