New Tracks, New Pathways: Advancing the Women, Peace and Security Agenda in the Arab States Region

This report presents the outcomes of the Arab States Regional Open Day on Women, Peace and Security (WPS), convened by UN Women in Amman, Jordan, from 2–4 December 2025 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325. Bringing together nearly 100 representatives from governments, regional organizations, women-led and women's rights organizations, youth networks, academia and international partners, the Open Day provided a platform to assess progress, exchange experiences, and identify priorities for advancing the WPS agenda across the Arab States.

Against a backdrop of protracted conflicts, humanitarian crises, shrinking civic space and declining international funding, the report examines the evolving challenges facing women and girls in the region while highlighting opportunities to strengthen women's leadership in conflict prevention, peacebuilding, mediation, recovery and security sector reform. It also reviews regional progress in implementing the WPS agenda, including the adoption of National Action Plans, regional strategies and mechanisms led by the League of Arab States, while emphasizing the continued need for meaningful participation, stronger accountability and sustainable financing.

The publication summarizes discussions from seven high-level sessions and three thematic working groups covering women’s participation in peace processes, regional cooperation, countering backlash against women's rights, intergenerational leadership, inclusive security, sustainable financing for women-led organizations, humanitarian-development-peace nexus approaches, and transitional justice. It concludes with practical recommendations for governments, regional organizations, civil society and international partners to accelerate implementation of the WPS agenda and promote inclusive, sustainable peace across the Arab States.