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

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.