Background and objectives


The Women, Peace and Security Focal Points Network was created to assist Member States and regional organizations to improve and strengthen the implementation of the Women, Peace and Security agenda at the origin of decision-making processes. The initiative stems from a commitment made by Spain during the high-level review of the implementation of Security Council resolution 1325 (2000), which was held in October 2015. The founding meeting of the Network was organized by Spain in September 2016, with the co-sponsorship of Canada, Chile, Japan, Namibia and the United Arab Emirates.

The Network affirms that Member States, regional organizations and the United Nations are the most influential actors in the implementation of the women and peace and security agenda and have the primary responsibility for ensuring that global commitments and obligations are effectively integrated into domestic policies and legislation. 

The Network serves as a cross-regional forum and provides space in which to share experiences and best practices so as to advance the implementation of all Security Council resolutions on women, peace and security and to improve the coordination of funding and assistance programmes. The Network also encourages information flow with relevant forums, such as the Security Council Informal Expert Group on Women, Peace and Security and the Group of Friends of Women, Peace and Security, and recognizes civil society and local organizations as critical partners.