From 28-30 October 2024, the Philippines hosted the International Conference on Women, Peace, and Security in Manila under the theme "Forging Collaboration and Convergence for Advancing Women, Peace, and Security." Organised by the Philippine government in partnership with UN Women, the Philippine Centre for Islam and Democracy, and the ASEAN Institute for Peace and Reconciliation, the event drew over 700 attendees, including high-level government delegates from more than 100 countries.
The conference served as an international stocktaking on the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda ahead of the 25th anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 (UNSCR 1325), aiming to build collaborative strategies to enhance women's participation in peacebuilding and security.
Professor Sara Davies, CEVAW Deputy Director (Indo-Pacific Research), spoke on Day 2 at the session titled "National Action Plans on Women, Peace, and Security: From Vision to Reality," joining a distinguished panel to share insights on translating WPS policy into impactful action. Professor Davies noted.
"The progress of the WPS agenda hinges on collaborative, inclusive efforts that bridge policy with practical implementation. Creating meaningful change requires commitment across national, regional, and community levels."
Professor Davies also participated in the 2nd Knowledge Exchange between the ASEAN Women for Peace Registry and the Australian Coalition for Women Peace and Security. Organised by The Asia Foundation and supported by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, this exchange emphasised the importance of women's roles in climate security and disaster response across the Indo-Pacific.
