Tokyo Women Citizen Dialogue Unites Diplomats & Experts
The United Nations University (UNU) and Guardian Girls International (GGI) successfully convened a high-level panel discussion titled “Women, Peace and Security in Southeast Asia: From Global Commitments to Local Action” on 11 March 2026 at the UNU Headquarters in Tokyo. The event welcomed approximately 150 participants, including diplomats, representatives of international organizations, civil society leaders, academics, and members of the public.
The event was organized as part of the Tokyo Women Citizen Dialogue (Tokyo WCD) series and held in partnership with Koyamada International Foundation Japan, Guardian Girls Japan, and with support from rYojbaba.
The discussion focused on advancing the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda, particularly in the context of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325, which recognizes the essential role of women in conflict prevention, peacebuilding, and post-conflict recovery. Adopted in 2000, Resolution 1325 calls for the full and meaningful participation of women at all levels of decision-making in peace and security processes.
The discussion focused on advancing the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda, particularly in the context of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325, which recognizes the essential role of women in conflict prevention, peacebuilding, and post-conflict recovery. Adopted in 2000, Resolution 1325 calls for the full and meaningful participation of women at all levels of decision-making in peace and security processes.
Opening remarks were delivered by Shin Koyamada, Secretary-General of Guardian Girls International, and Eiko Narita, Chief of the UNFPA Representation Office in Tokyo. In his remarks, Koyamada emphasized the importance of strengthening cross-sector collaboration and empowering women as leaders in peacebuilding, noting that global frameworks such as UN Security Council Resolution 1325 provide a critical foundation for advancing women’s participation in peace and security efforts.
The panel discussion was moderated by Prof. Aya Suzuki, Senior Vice-Rector of UNU and Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations.
Distinguished panelists included:
- H.E. Mylene de Joya Garcia-Albano, Ambassador of the Philippines to Japan
- Kazuko Ito, Vice President of Human Rights Now
- Eiko Narita, Chief of the UNFPA Representation Office in Tokyo
Panelists explored key questions regarding the progress made by countries in Southeast Asia in implementing the Women, Peace and Security agenda, as well as challenges that remain in translating global commitments into effective policies and community-level action. The discussion also highlighted the importance of regional cooperation, particularly through ASEAN initiatives and national action plans aligned with UN Security Council Resolution 1325.
Speakers emphasized that meaningful participation of women in peace processes significantly improves the durability and inclusiveness of peace agreements, while also strengthening community resilience and social stability.
The event highlighted the importance of continued collaboration among governments, international organizations, civil society, and the private sector to ensure that global commitments to women’s leadership in peace and security translate into tangible impact on the ground.
The Tokyo Women Citizen Dialogue series, convened by Guardian Girls International, serves as a global platform bringing together diverse stakeholders to promote dialogue, policy exchange, and collaborative solutions on issues affecting women and girls worldwide.
Photos by UNU and GGI
