ASEAN and partners share results, lessons learned and future priorities under the regional Women, Peace and Security Programme
Celebrating key milestone in collective efforts to advance the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda in the region, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) led by the ASEAN Committee on Women, in partnership with UN Women and with the support of the Governments of Canada, the Republic of Korea and the United Kingdom, convenes a regional visibility and knowledge-sharing event on 17 March in Jakarta, Indonesia.
The event aims to showcase the results and good practices of the “Empowering Women for Sustainable Peace: Preventing Violence and Promoting Social Cohesion in ASEAN” (WPS ASEAN) project, while reaffirming ASEAN’s strong commitment to sustaining efforts. It highlights the significant progress achieved through the ASEAN Regional Plan of Action on Women, Peace and Security (RPA on WPS) adopted in 2022 that positioned ASEAN as a global leader in regional WPS policymaking and multi-stakeholder implementation.
“ASEAN remains firmly committed to ensuring women’s full, equal and meaningful participation in peace and security processes. Building on the rich knowledge and findings of the project evaluation, we will continue to strengthen coordination, knowledge-sharing and implementation of ASEAN RPA on WPS for the benefit of the people of the region,” says Koung Sorita, Chair of Advisory Group on WPS and Focal Point Leader of the Committee on Women Cambodia.
From 2021 to 2025, the project helped strengthen ASEAN’s regional WPS architecture, enhanced coordination across ASEAN pillars and sectoral bodies, and supported national and community-level efforts. It has been a catalyst for promoting the meaningful participation of women in peacebuilding, conflict prevention and social cohesion, including by expanding the engagement of civil society and youth. The project has also contributed to a growing body of regional knowledge products (https://wps.asean.org), including policy research, guidance tools and multimedia resources documenting good practices from across South-East Asia. Importantly, the project promoted the localisation of WPS agenda, which inspired initiatives to develop National Action Plans in some Member States.
“This initiative has demonstrated how regional ownership and sustained partnerships can translate global WPS commitments into concrete results for women and communities on the ground,” shares Ulziisuren Jamsran, UN Women Indonesia Representative and Liaison to ASEAN.
Development partners reaffirm their long-standing support to ASEAN’s leadership on WPS and the importance of continued collaboration.
“The UK’s partnership with ASEAN on Women, Peace and Security is built on our shared recognition that this work is imperative for stability and development. We applaud the commitment shown and the progress achieved by partners working in their communities, at national level and in ASEAN institutions,” says Helen Fazey, UK Ambassador to ASEAN.
“As a Strategic Partner to ASEAN, Canada is proud to stand with ASEAN in advancing Women, Peace and Security. The evaluation highlights the strong impact of our collaboration, demonstrating how ASEAN‑led progress and practical partnerships have strengthened institutions, built capacity, and supported women’s leadership in peace and security across the region,” says Emily Alexander, Head of Cooperation, Mission of Canada to ASEAN.
The hybrid event brings together a broad range of representatives from ASEAN, ASEAN Member States, civil society, media, women and youth groups and partners to foster regional dialogue on the positive independent project evaluation findings, lessons learned and priorities for the next phase of WPS project in ASEAN. It reinforces the shared commitment to sustaining progress and ensuring that the gains achieved under the project continue to inform and strengthen ASEAN-led efforts in advancing WPS across the region.
Contact
Yoomi Jun, Communications and Advocacy Analyst
UN Women Indonesia
yoomi.jun@unwomen.org; wps.asean@unwomen.org
