Collaborating with ASEAN for RPA WPS: A Dialogue between ASEAN and Civil Society, Academicians, and Journalists
In the year 2000, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) passed Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security (WPS), linking gender equality to regional peace and security maintenance. This international normative and policy framework addresses the gender-specific impacts of conflict, displacement, disaster, mass atrocities, political crises, and violent extremism on women. Recognizing the importance of the WPS agenda, ASEAN affirmed its commitment through various political engagements, including the adoption of a Joint Statement on Promoting Women, Peace and Security in ASEAN in 2017. Building on its commitment, in December 2022, ASEAN took a significant step forward by launching the Regional Plan of Action on Women, Peace and Security (RPA WPS) in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The RPA WPS serves as a regional framework for both ASEAN and its Member States to implement activities promoting women’s participation and representation in peacebuilding efforts. It provides clear guidance for WPS implementation, addressing national and sub-national peace and security priorities.
The ASEAN RPA WPS highlights the importance of engaging civil society in implementing the WPS agenda. The ASEAN Regional Study on Women, Peace and Security on WPS recommends the establishment of an ASEAN WPS Community of Practice, which is also a priority in the RPA WPS. This community would participate in biennial ASEAN summits and would be established in consultation with civil society representatives during the first year of implementation of the RPA WPS. This is specifically outlined in Priority Action 2.2.6 of the RPA WPS which expressed the need to identify concrete steps to establish a Community of Practice to share good practices and lessons learned across pillars and foster multi-stakeholder partnerships for policy success.
Similarly, Priority Action 3.1.4 of the RPA WPS calls for regular communication channels, including virtual meetings, for sharing information and discussing successes and challenges. It emphasizes the need for regular meetings and consultations with the ASEAN Regional WPS Community of Practice, bringing together government, the security sector, academia, experts, and civil society organizations, including youth and marginalized groups.
As the second year of RPA WPS implementation approaches in 2024, the proposed event aims to facilitate dialogue between ASEAN and Civil Society Organizations to establish this Community of Practice.
Expected Outcomes:
- Enhanced dialogue and engagement with key stakeholders in ASEAN to establish a Community of Practice or platform for regular consultations, knowledge exchange, and advocacy to drive the implementation of the RPA WPS, and ensure the involvement of diverse stakeholders in advancing Women, Peace, and Security initiatives within the ASEAN region.
- Enhanced collaboration and communication within ASEAN member-states, the ASEAN Secretariat, ASEAN Sectoral bodies, and Institutions including the ASEAN Institute of Peace and Reconciliation (ASEAN IPR), ASEAN Women Peace Registry, and civil society groups, including women, youth, people with disabilities, and marginalized communities, media professionals, and academics for effectively implementing the RPA WPS.
- Commitment from ASEAN representatives on the establishment and operationalization of the ASEAN WPS Community of Practice.
- Clear delineation of roles and responsibilities for ASEAN institutions and civil society within the Community of Practice.
Expected Outputs:
- Steps to establish ASEAN regional WPS community of practice.
- A detailed report capturing the dialogue’s discussions, agreements, and the session’s specific commitments towards establishing the ASEAN WPS Community of Practice.
- A roadmap for the initial phase of the Community of Practice, highlighting key activities, responsible entities, and key targets for the upcoming year.
The event will be conducted in a hybrid modality. Online participation is open to the public.
Online registration: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88327786532?pwd=LvoN8QJDbYO0WEwcb98AWu05KFxvVt.1
