Launch of National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security

On 26 March 2025, Trinidad and Tobago made history as the first Caribbean nation to officially launch a National Action Plan (NAP) on Women, Peace, and Security (WPS). The launch event, hosted by the Office of the Prime Minister – Gender and Child Affairs at the Hilton Trinidad and Conference Centre in Port‑of‑Spain, brought together government officials, civil society representatives, and international partners, including the United Nations and the Government of Canada. The WPS NAP (2025–2030) establishes a strategic framework to address the impacts of armed violence, organised crime, and gender‑based violence, with a particular focus on combating gun and gang‑related violence and integrating women’s perspectives and leadership into peace and security efforts. The plan’s objectives include enhancing safety and security, developing gender‑sensitive violence prevention strategies, and increasing women’s participation in crime prevention and peacebuilding initiatives. The development of the NAP followed two years of extensive groundwork and consultations involving government ministries, civil society, and international partners, ensuring the plan reflects the realities of communities across the twin‑island republic. Anchored in UN Security Council Resolution 1325 and aligned with global WPS principles, the NAP recognises that sustainable peace and security require the active inclusion of women at all levels of decision‑making. Trinidad and Tobago’s leadership in launching this WPS NAP is seen as a model for other Caribbean nations, emphasising collaborative, gender‑transformative, and prevention‑focused approaches to building safer, more resilient societies.