Media Advisory: Conference “Women, Peace and Security” within the Dialogue of Women of Central Asia 2023

What: On October 16, Almaty will host the Conference “Women, Peace and Security” within the framework of Kazakhstan’s chairmanship in the Dialogue of Women of Central Asia 2023. The event is organized by the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the National Commission for Women Affairs, Family and Demographic Policy under the President of Kazakhstan, Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan with the support of UN Women and UNRCCA.

During the Conference, participants will discuss progress in the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 in Central Asia and will also consider prospects for the implementation of the “Women, Peace and Security” commitments in the context of the 2030 Agenda in Central Asia.

The expected results of the conference include the development of a Roadmap for cooperation among Central Asian countries to implement the "Women, Peace and Security" agenda, coordination of mechanisms for women's participation in regional platforms for conflict prevention and peace promotion, and the publication of recommendations from the discussions.

When/Where: 16 October 2023, Almaty, Kazakhstan

Time: 10.00 – 17:15 (Almaty time)

Who: The event will be attended by members of the National Commission for Women Affairs, Family and Demographic Policy under the President of Kazakhstan, parliamentarians of the countries participating in the Dialogue, heads of government bodies, representatives of non-governmental and international organizations, the diplomatic corps, as well as the expert community of Central Asian countries.

About the Dialogue of Women of Central Asia   

The Dialogue of Women of Central Asia is an informal platform for discussing topical development issues and strengthening cooperation between women parliamentarians in the region, supported by the UN Regional Center for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA), the UN Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women). Officially launched in December 2020, the Dialogue was chaired by Uzbekistan in 2021 and Turkmenistan in 2022.

Women, Peace, and Security

The United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325, adopted in 2000, became the first linking the status of women in conflicts with the agenda of international peace and security. In total, the United Nations has adopted 10 resolutions on Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) issues, comprehensively covering the four main components of the WPS agenda, namely: 1) the role of women in conflict prevention, 2) women's participation in peacebuilding, 3) protection of the rights of women and girls during and after a conflict, and 4) the specific needs of women during repatriation and resettlement, as well as the needs for rehabilitation, reintegration, and post-conflict recovery.  

Despite the increased role that women have played in Central Asian countries in the context of humanitarian crises, conflicts, and post-conflict situations in recent years, the 2021/22 WPS Index reveals that in the Central Asian sub-region, the representation of women in leadership positions and their involvement in economic and social life are significantly lower compared to other regions. 

It is obvious that in order to achieve the desired success in light of contemporary challenges, instability, and threats to regional security, it is necessary to promote the increased participation and leadership of women in all matters related to the political and economic life of States, as well as addressing and solving specific security issues. Involving women in peacebuilding and conflict prevention yields more sustainable outcomes, including the creation and reinforcement of an atmosphere of trust. In this context, national action plans can serve as vital instruments. 

Currently, Kyrgyzstan is implementing its fourth National Action Plan (NAP) for the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1325. Kazakhstan adopted its first action plan for the implementation of UNSC Resolution 1325 in 2021. Uzbekistan did so in 2022, and Tajikistan is finalizing the development of its third NAP for Resolution 1325.

Media Opportunities:

The conference will be live-streamed, and media representatives are invited to join here. 

Join the conversation: Follow us on Instagram and Facebook and join the conversation on social media using the hashtags #TheDialogueOfWomenOfCentralAsia and #WomenPeaceAndSecurity.

For further information, please contact Zarina Assanova, Communications and Advocacy Expert, zarina.assanova@unwomen.org.