Looking Back to Move Forward: Taking Stock of Asia-Pacific Civil Society Efforts to Address the Illicit Trade and Circulation of Small Arms and Light Weapons

The IANSA webinar focused on strengthening civil society engagement and advancing the UN Programme of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons (UN PoA). Key highlights included:

1. Raising Awareness: Experts and stakeholders discussed emerging security threats in the Asia-Pacific region, including the role of technology, the climate crisis, and gender-based violence in exacerbating armed violence.
2. Commitments & Challenges: Asia-Pacific Member States’ commitments to the UN PoA were examined, with a focus on the challenges they face in implementation and areas where civil society can provide critical support.
3. Showcasing Successes: IANSA network members presented case studies on successful advocacy and research efforts, demonstrating the effectiveness of partnerships in driving policy change.
4. Mapping Future Engagement: The webinar facilitated discussions on strategic opportunities for civil society to enhance national and regional UN PoA implementation, fostering stronger collaborations between governments, NGOs, and international organizations.

This event reinforced the importance of multi-stakeholder cooperation in addressing small arms proliferation and ensuring a sustainable approach to security and peacebuilding in the region.