National Action Plans on Women, Peace and Security in focus of OSCE-supported Academy in Vienna

VIENNA, 15 September 2016 – Enhancing the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325 on Women, Peace and Security is the focus of the OSCE-supported National Action Plan (NAP) Academy that started today in Vienna, bringing together 52 practitioners from across the OSCE region. Participants in the two-day event will discuss ways to increase the impact of their Action Plans, as well as exchange experiences and best practices.

The NAP Academy, organized by the OSCE Secretariat’s Gender Section and the Institute for Inclusive Security, opened with a discussion between Paul Bekkers, Director of the Office of the OSCE Secretary General, and Swanee Hunt, Founder and Chair of the Institute for Inclusive Security.

“We are pleased to partner with OSCE due to its focus on the broader elements of women`s role in security,” said Ambassador Hunt. “Our commitment to working together provides an opportunity to unite efforts and multiply the impact that is felt on the ground across OSCE participating States. We are excited that so many of us are here to learn from each other which would help us to improve our work.”

Ambassador Bekkers said: “Women should always be at the table and their voices must be heard when it comes to preventing and addressing conflicts and promoting peace. The OSCE is working hard to ensure that gender equality aspects are an integral part of its comprehensive security concept.” He also added that gender-responsive strategies to counter violent extremism and radicalization that lead to terrorism have become a major focus.

Action Plans to implement UNSCR 1325 are effective tools for enhancing women's active role in conflict prevention, peace building and security processes in order to achieve sustainable peace. Currently, 28 OSCE participating States have introduced National Action Plans.

The Institute for Inclusive Security, which created a National Plan initiative to provide technical assistance to government and civil society representatives implementing National Action Plans, will assist NAP Academy participants in developing new strategies and updating existing Action Plans.