Press Releases
Symposium on Women, Peace and Security (WPS) and Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs ONISHI's Attendance at its Reception
On October 31, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Japan and UN Women Japan, co-hosted a Symposium entitled “Women, Peace and Security -25 Years and Beyond” held at the Embassy. Mr. ONISHI Yohei, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, attended the reception hosted by the Norwegian Ambassador to Japan following the symposium and delivered opening remarks. The overview is as follows:
- In his remarks, Parliamentary Vice-Minister ONISHI introduced that on the occasion of the milestone year marking the 25th anniversary of the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 1325, Japan co-chairs the WPS Focal Points Network together with Norway, and is leading the international discussions. He emphasized that, amid the increasing uncertainty in the international situation, promotion of women's participation and incorporating gender perspectives into policy through WPS is more important than ever. He also stated Japan would leverage its experience as co-chair of the Network and continue to work with WPS stakeholders to further advance the agenda.
- During the symposium, a video message from Ms. Nyaradzayi GUNBONSVANDA, Deputy Executive Director of UN Women, followed by keynote speeches by H.E. Mr. TAKAHASHI Katsuhiko, Ambassador for WPS and Ms. Signe GILEN, Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Special Envoy for WPS. Additionally, a panel discussion was held with experts from various fields related to WPS and discussed efforts made and challenges faced to promote the WPS agenda both domestically and internationally, utilization of AI technology to advance WPS, and possible strategies to encourage active participation of young people.
- The symposium and reception were held to commemorate the adoption of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325, the first resolusion on WPS, on October 31, 2000.
(Reference1) Women, Peace and Security (WPS)
On October 31, 2000, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) unanimously adopted the UNSCR 1325 on Women, Peace and Security (WPS), which stated for the first time in the Council's history that international peace and conflict prevention and resolution require the equal participation of women, protection against sexual violence in conflict, and gender equality. To implement the resolution and related resolutions, Japan has so far formulated and implemented three rounds of action plans.
(Reference2) The WPS Focal Points Network
The WPS Focal Points Network is a network amongst the UN Member States to promote the WPS commitments through sharing lessons learned and good practices among Member States and regional organizations; as of October 2025, a total of 106 members from 96 countries and 10 regional organizations are the participants. Japan and Norway are the Co-Chair of the Network in 2025.