On 18-19 January 2024, the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) held its first talks with Civil Society representatives on the update of NATO’s policy on Women, Peace and Security. The talks were carried out as part of the first meeting of NATO’s new Civil Society Advisory Panel (CSAP) on Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) under the leadership of NATO Secretary General’s Special Representative for WPS Irene Fellin.

NATO recognises the disproportionate impact that conflict has on women and girls, the vital roles women play in peace and security, and the importance of incorporating gender perspectives in all that the Alliance does. The Women, Peace and Security agenda was launched on 31 October 2000 with the adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 and now includes nine additional Resolutions. NATO’s approach to the Women, Peace and Security agenda is framed around the principles of integration, inclusiveness and integrity. More information here.

On the 23rd anniversary of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security (WPS), the NATO Secretary General’s Special Representative for WPS, Irene Fellin, called for a movement from commitment to action.