Press Releases
Launch of the Taskforce on Women, Peace and Security (WPS)
January 29, 2024
On January 29, the Taskforce on Women, Peace and Security (WPS) was established to provide coordination across the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) under Ms. KAMIKAWA Yoko, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan.
- At the launch meeting, Minister Kamikawa explained the foundational concept for WPS as follows: we have better chance to achieve sustained peace not only by protecting and helping women and girls, but also if women hold leadership positions and participate in conflict prevention, reconstruction, and peacebuilding. She stated that her activities since assuming the position of Foreign Minister have reinforced the importance of developing a cross-cutting structure for implementing tangible initiatives to advance WPS, which led to the decision to establish the taskforce. Minister Kamikawa expressed that, as the international community faces a complex crisis, she was determined to advance a forward-looking agenda and WPS that contribute to peace and stability in the international community, at all levels from policy to the field, while integrating Japan’s unique initiatives in disaster risk reduction and other areas.
- MOFA will further intensify its WPS efforts through the taskforce. In addition, it will strengthen coordination with relevant ministries and agencies, while gaining further insight through hearings with outside experts.
(Reference) Women, Peace and Security (WPS)
In 2000, for the first time in its history, the United Nations Security Council unanimously adopted “Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Resolution 1325,” which clearly stated that international peace, conflict prevention and conflict resolution require the equal participation of women, protection from sexual violence in conflict, and gender equality. To implement this and relevant resolutions, Japan has formulated and implemented three national action plans.