The first-ever Pacific Islands Women-led peacebuilding colloquium, supported by UK International Development and Australian Aid, and organised by the Pacific Women Mediators Network (PWMN), took place from May 27 to May 30, 2025. This important event celebrated the vital role of women in peace and security across the Pacific Islands. It also aimed to highlight feminist perspectives and the Gender, Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda in the region, while encouraging real progress towards gender equality and women’s rights in peace efforts.
Purpose of the Colloquium
The meeting focused on recognizing and strengthening women-led and civil society peacebuilding initiatives in the Pacific Islands. Key topics included Climate Security and Climate Justice, Self-Determination, and Gender Equality. The colloquium connected local and national conversations with broader regional and global peace processes, such as the United Nations Peacebuilding Architecture Review (PBAR). This created a space for diverse leaders, including youth, faith, and traditional leaders, to share knowledge and push for meaningful actions on the WPS agenda.
Voices from the Colloquium
At the opening, British High Commissioner to Solomon Islands and Nauru, His Excellency Paul Turner, emphasized women’s historic leadership in peace movements worldwide. Drawing on his experiences in Northern Ireland and Bosnia during the 1990s, he praised women for breaking down barriers and uniting communities. The UK government reaffirmed its strong support for this initiative and the global network of women peacebuilders.
Significance of the Timing
The event was held just before two major occasions in 2025: the 25th anniversary of the UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security, and the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Honiara. The Forum Leaders are expected to adopt important documents including a Guidance Note on Women, Peace, and Security, and the Ocean of Peace Declaration, which will further embed WPS goals in the region.
UK’s Commitment to Women, Peace, and Security
The UK supports UN Security Council Resolution 1325 globally and is proud to back the Pacific Islands Forum in advancing this agenda. The UK’s National Action Plan outlines five key goals to strengthen Women, Peace, and Security, which include increasing women’s participation in decision-making, preventing gender-based violence, supporting women and girls in crises, holding security actors accountable, and addressing transnational threats affecting women.
The inaugural colloquium highlighted the powerful role women play in peacebuilding across the Pacific Islands. It also brought together diverse voices to push for real action on gender equality and the WPS agenda. Supported by international partners like the UK and Australia, the event showed how regional cooperation can help address important issues like climate justice and self-determination through women’s leadership. The outcomes of this meeting will contribute to ongoing efforts to make peace and security efforts more inclusive and effective for all.
