Finland’s third National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security
Finland's new National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security was published on Friday 13 April. This is Finland's third National Action Plan (NAP), extending from 2018 to the end of 2021. Through the NAP, Finland aims to contribute effectively to sustainable peace by strengthening women's participation.
The NAP is based on United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325 on Women, Peace and Security. The principal aim of this resolution and the subsequent complementary resolutions is to enhance women's role and decision-making power in conflict prevention, conflict resolution and peacebuilding as well as to significantly improve women's security and factors influencing their security. In addition, the special needs of men and boys should be taken into account.
The new NAP is based on the experiences gained from the previous Action Plans. Concrete progress is sought by pursuing the following four main objectives:
1. advancing mainstreaming of women's meaningful role and the gender perspective in mediation, peace processes and transition processes
2. strengthening women's meaningful role in conflict prevention and peacebuilding
3. mainstreaming the gender perspective in the security sector and crisis management
4. improving the protection of women and girls and safeguarding their rights and needs during crises.
Migration and prevention of violent extremism to be included in the National Action Plan
In his opening remarks at the launch event of the NAP, Minister for Foreign Affairs Timo Soini emphasised Finland's good progress in several sectors of the Action Plan, including mediation and crisis management. Finland is among the first countries to include prevention of violent extremism and migration in its National Action Plan. The Minister highlighted the importance of dialogue between different parties in society. Women's contribution to sustainable peace is important.
Executive Director of UN Women Phumzile Mlambo-Ngzuka commended Finland for its strategic partnership in advocating the Agenda. Mlambo-Ngzuka said that women's participation in peace processes and security sector activities leads to more effective responses to crises and to more sustainable peace processes.
Finland is strongly committed to the 1325 agenda. Like before, the National Action Plan has been prepared in cross-sectoral cooperation between the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Ministry of the Interior, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Education and Culture, Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment:, Defence Forces, CMC Finland, Finnish Immigration Service, and several civil society organisations and experts from research institutes. The implementation of the NAP will be assessed and monitored systematically.
A recording of the launch event is available for viewing here.
Women, Peace and Security - Finland’s National Action Plan 2018-2021
Inquiries:
Ministry of the Interior: Vesa Kotilainen, Senior Specialist, Finland’s National Capability for Civilian Crisis Management, tel. +358 295 488 251 [email protected]
Ministry for Foreign Affairs: Ann-Sofie Stude, National Coordinator, Unit for UN and General Global Affairs, tel. +358 295 350 639, [email protected]
Ministry of Defence: Helena Partanen, Deputy Director General (Defence Policy Department), tel. +358 295 140 310, [email protected]