A new UN Women Guidance Note offers practical ways for policy and decision-makers, women’s organizations and diverse peacebuilding stakeholders to embed climate change considerations into Women, Peace and Security (WPS) efforts.
Launched on 3 June 2025, the Guidance Note: Integrating Climate Change into National Action Plans for Women, Peace and Security – In Focus Asia and the Pacific is the first comprehensive resource to address the linkages between climate, peace and security through the WPS framework.
Although its primary focus is on Asia and the Pacific, the Guidance Note is also relevant for other regions around the world.
Developed with the support of Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), the Note highlights case studies and suggests pathways for action with the aim of fostering resilient and secure communities, including through the leadership and meaningful participation of women in response to the escalating climate crisis.
During the launch webinar, Christine Arab, UN Women Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific, underlined the benefits of integrated solutions that link gender, peace, rights and development.
“While climate change is disruptive, it also gives us the chance to rethink peace and security, to invest in resilience, and to put women’s leadership at the heart of inclusive and sustainable solutions,” said Ms Arab.
The discussions also underscored that the WPS agenda offers a viable and non-securitized approach to climate, peace and security challenges by emphasizing inclusion, local leadership and gender-responsive climate action.
Embedding women’s leadership into WPS National Action Plans strengthens the path towards more inclusive, sustainable peace.
This launch is UN Women’s latest contribution to mark 25 years of the WPS agenda in 2025 – under the theme “women lead, peace follows”.
More information:
Japhet William Graham Eichel, UN Women Gender Climate and Security Specialist:
japhet.eichel@unwomen.org