Disarmament in Review
The United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), in partnership with the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), will host the “International Women’s Conference on Preventing the Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction to Non-State Actors” in Bangkok, Thailand, on 25-27 February 2020.
Promotion of the role of women in international peace and security, especially in political decision-making and peace processes, has been embedded in Security Council resolution 1325 (2000) and the eight subsequent resolutions that underpin the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Agenda. Women’s participation and empowerment are crucial components of the maintenance of international peace and security and are a key component of UNODA’s Gender Mainstreaming Action Plan.
In line with the Office for Disarmament Gender Mainstreaming Action Plan and the Secretary General’s Agenda for Disarmament, the three-day international conference aims at strengthening women’s participation in Peace and Security, Disarmament and preventing the proliferation of WMDs to non-State actors. The conference will also touch on exploring the linkages between gender equality and disarmament, with particular focus on implementation of resolution 1540 (2004) in the Global South.
The conference also seeks to contribute to strengthening capacity of women working in the field, nurturing a gender sensitive approach to the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004) and to support equitable participation in disarmament discussions.
Women with at least two years of work experience in fields relevant to WMD disarmament and non-proliferation are eligible to apply to participate. UNODA and the OSCE will provide sponsorship for travel and accommodations for up to 80 participants. Priority for travel sponsorships will be given to applicants from the Global South and the OSCE Participating States.
The conference is supported by the contributions to the UN Trust Fund for Global and Regional Disarmament Activities from the European Union and the United States.
For more information, visit https://disarmament.unoda.org/1540womensconference.
