Regional meeting on small arms
Small arms and light weapons (SALW) remain a leading driver of armed violence globally. Women and girls disproportionately suffer from their misuse—through domestic abuse, community insecurity, and conflict-related sexual violence.
For too long, initiatives to tackle illicit small arms proliferation have not been effectively integrated into other relevant priority areas, such as Women, Peace and Security (WPS). However, the 2024 Review Conference of the UN Programme of Action on SALW took steps to shift this approach.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action—a landmark in advancing women’s participation in peace and security. Despite increased global support, many countries continue to face challenges in translating commitments into action.
To strengthen the link between these two agendas, the United Nations Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Asia and the Pacific (UNRCPD), with support from the European Union and in partnership with Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is convening an Informal Regional Meeting on 2–3 April 2025 the Mercure Hotel in Sukedhara Heights, Kathmandu.
The meeting brings together government officials, civil society actors, and regional and international partners from across Asia and the Pacific to explore how gender perspectives can be more effectively integrated into arms control.
Discussions will build on recent global developments—such as the growing focus on gender in disarmament and the introduction of new frameworks for safer ammunition management—and aim to identify practical ways to better align small arms control with the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda.
Through this meeting, cross-sector collaboration is expected to be strengthened, inclusive policymaking encouraged, and a strong regional network of people and organizations working toward peace and security in Asia and the Pacific further developed.
