West African Leaders Convene in Cabo Verde to Assess 25 Years of Women and Youth Peace Efforts
The United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) and UN Women, together with key regional partners including ECOWAS, the European Union, and GIZ GmbH, have concluded the 2025 Annual Meeting of the Working Group on Women, Youth, Peace and Security in West Africa and the Sahel.
Reflecting on 25 Years of Resolution 1325
Held from November 3-7 in Praia, Cabo Verde, the gathering focused on the theme “25 Years of Implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1325 (2000) in West Africa and the Sahel: Perspectives from Women and Youth.” The meeting served as a critical platform to evaluate progress and establish strategic priorities for advancing both Women, Peace and Security (WPS) and Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) agendas across the region.
The event brought together approximately 70 participants from 16 West African and Sahel countries, representing governments, civil society organizations, women’s and youth groups, academia, and regional institutions.
Strategic Planning for Future Peace Initiatives
During the five-day session, attendees validated findings from national and regional assessments on Resolution 1325 implementation. They developed strategies to enhance the Working Group’s coordination and visibility across all levels while finalizing both national and regional work plans for 2026.
Key outcomes included the adoption of the 2026-2030 Strategic Plan, identification of priority themes for next year’s thematic exchanges, and selection of focus countries for solidarity and advocacy missions. Participants also began preparations for the 2026 Annual Meeting.
Addressing Persistent Challenges
Reflecting on 25 years of Resolution 1325 implementation, discussions highlighted both achievements and ongoing obstacles. Participants emphasized the need to strengthen state ownership, secure sustainable financing for National Action Plans, and improve coordination mechanisms. Limited financial resources and fragmented implementation efforts remain significant barriers to progress.
The meeting concluded with capacity-building sessions on the Continental Results Framework, in-depth discussions on youth engagement in peace processes, and field visits showcasing local initiatives that promote peace, gender equality, and social cohesion.
All participants reaffirmed their commitment to advancing inclusive and sustainable peace throughout West Africa and the Sahel through the WPS and YPS agendas.