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The five Central Asian countries – Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan – have come together to develop the first-ever Regional Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security (WPS) for Central Asia. This landmark initiative aims to drive transformational change for women’s equal participation and rights in all regional peace and security processes. It will serve as a framework to bolster regional commitments and support national efforts across the four pillars of the WPS agenda: Participation, Prevention, Protection, and Relief & Recovery. In short, the Regional Action Plan (RAP) will help unify and amplify each country’s actions under UN Security Council Resolution 1325 – the cornerstone global agreement on WPS – through a coordinated regional approach.
Despite progress, women remain underrepresented in peace and security decision-making both globally and in Central Asia. Globally, women made up only 13% of negotiators in major peace processes from 1992 to 2018. In Central Asia, women’s leadership in conflict prevention and security sectors is growing but still limited, and four out of five Central Asian countries have adopted National WPS Action Plans to date – showing strong national commitment that the RAP will build upon.
The regional plan adds value by fostering cross-border collaboration on challenges that no single country can tackle alone. For instance, it creates an environment for women (including young women) to actively participate in addressing new and emerging security threats – from water and climate insecurity to emergency preparedness and humanitarian crises, as well as preventing violent extremism and countering terrorism.
This initiative is grounded in the understanding that inclusive peace is lasting peace. When women are at the table, peace agreements are more durable and communities are safer. By investing in women’s leadership and protection, Central Asia’s governments and civil societies are affirming their commitment to a stable and peaceful future.
The development of the WPS Regional Action Plan (WPS-RAP) started in 2025, and its first draft is expected to be finalized by the end of the year.
The development is being led by National Focal Points and WPS Experts from the five Central Asian countries, with support from UN Women Office for Europe and Central Asia (UN Women ECARO). Members of the Task Force for the WPS multistakeholder platform for Central Asia and South Caucasus actively participate in the discussions.
The accompanying workplan is a living document that will be updated regularly. It outlines the timeline and key milestones for the regional action plan's development.
An outline for the Central Asian regional action plan on Women, Peace, and Security (WPS-RAP) was drafted and approved by the National Focal Points and WPS Experts from the five Central Asian countries. This outline designed to be a foundational document, providing a starting point and a clear structure for the regional action plan and its development process.
Building the Foundation: Shaping the First Regional Action Plan for Women, Peace and Security in Central Asia
To ensure a comprehensive and inclusive approach in developing the Regional Action Plan (RAP) on Women, Peace and Security for Central Asia, a series of consultations were launched with key stakeholder groups.
These engagements are designed to incorporate diverse perspectives and lived experiences from across the region — particularly from women’s civil society, youth organizations, experts, and local actors. The process is rooted in the belief that inclusive dialogue is essential to building a regional framework that is both relevant and resilient.
Youth Voices at the Center
Recognizing that young people make up more than half of the population in the whole region of Central Asia, the RAP process placed strong emphasis on youth engagement. Consultations were held at national levels, creating space for young activists to voice their concerns and offer solutions. These dialogues highlighted the specific challenges youth face within the WPS agenda — from lack of access to decision-making spaces to vulnerability in emergencies and crises. Importantly, participants also shared concrete recommendations and visions for change, including the kind of support they need to lead peacebuilding efforts in their communities.
Reports showcase the outcomes of the consultations conducted with in total 111 young people in five respective Central Asian countries and highlight the priorities and solutions identified.
Read the Brief for Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan →
Reaching Civil Society and Grassroots Actors
In parallel, a broader wave of civil society consultations was facilitated by UN Women to validate priorities and shape actionable strategies for the RAP. These sessions engaged 91 participants to date, including representatives from women's rights organizations, initiative groups, and local networks. The goal was to gather insights that would inform both immediate and long-term actions across the four WPS pillars. Participants emphasized issues such as economic security, access to justice, youth-led prevention, and the need for more sustainable financing for women’s organizations. These contributions are now being consolidated into the RAP to ensure the final plan reflects real, grounded priorities across the region.
This brief provides an overview of the goals, process, and emerging priorities shaping the first-ever RAP on WPS for Central Asia. It highlights the collective vision of the five countries, the key pillars of the WPS agenda, and the inclusive consultations guiding the plan’s development. Whether you are a policymaker, practitioner, donor, or advocate, this document offers valuable insight into how the region is working together to drive transformative change for women and peace.
🔗 We invite you to read and share the brief with partners and stakeholders.
Nargis Azizova, Regional Policy Advisor on WPS
Please contact for general inquiries and questions about RAP partnerships at ✉️
Iina Pyykko, International Consultant for Central Asian WPS Plan
Please contact for inquiries about the consultations at ✉️
Shukurgeldi Myradov, International Consultant on Youth Engagement for Central Asian WPS Plan
Please contact for questions specifically about youth engagement at ✉️