Marking the 20th anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325 (2000), UN Women, Wilton Park, the Elders and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, with support from the Government of Germany, convened a high level virtual conference that brought together over 60 experienced peace practitioners, policy makers, women peacebuilders from the region and other regions and multilateral officials to discuss opportunities and challenges for women’s meaningful inclusion in peace processes in the Arab world. The report outlines key points raised by participants throughout the virtual convening, as well as recommendations to enhance women’s inclusion in mediation and conflict resolution processes in the region.

This brief addresses the importance of women’s full, equal, and meaningful participation to an effective pandemic response and to peacemaking efforts, and how the women, peace and security agenda can provide a critical framework for inclusive decision-making and sustainable solutions. It also provides preliminary analysis of the impact of COVID-19 on women’s participation in ceasefires and peace processes and offers a series of recommendations, including on “building back better”.

On the 25th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, UN Women’s “Generation Equality: Realizing women’s rights for an equal future” campaign demands equal pay, equal sharing of unpaid care and domestic work, an end to sexual harassment and violence against women and girls, health care services that respond to their needs, and their equal participation in political life and in decision-making in all areas of life.

Considered the most progressive blueprint ever for advancing women's rights, the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action has been reprinted in this special edition, which also includes a copy of the political declaration reached at the 23rd special session of the General Assembly in 2000, which reviewed progress towards the Platform for Action five years after its adoption.