At the 2026 Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) Review Conference, UNIDIR will convene a dynamic series of side events addressing today’s most pressing nuclear policy challenges. Organized in partnership with the Permanent Missions of Australia, Ireland, Namibia and the Philippines, this event explores the relevance of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 (UNSCR 1325) on Women, Peace and Security (WPS) to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
UNSCR 1325 affirms women’s equal right to participate and lead across all areas of international peace and security. The WPS framework also addresses conflict prevention, and the prevention of and protection from all forms of violence affecting women and girls. These considerations are relevant to all pillars of the NPT, and has been reflected in strong cross-regional engagement throughout the review cycle, with State Parties calling for support on initiatives to further develop gender analysis in nuclear disarmament, non-proliferation and the peaceful uses of nuclear energy.
Against this backdrop, this event will feature a moderated discussion on the following topics:
- What efforts have proven effective in promoting equality, fairness and justice within nuclear policy communities?
- How can convergences between the NPT and the WPS Agenda be strengthened?
- What are some approaches to respond to pushback against gender equality?
- What synergies exist between gender-related approaches and victim- and survivor-centric approaches to nuclear disarmament?
- What outcomes at the 2026 NPT Review Conference, and in future review cycles, could advance gender equality, diversity and inclusion, while strengthening the treaty regime as a whole?
The discussion will draw on ideas and suggestions put forward in two NPT Working Papers: Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and the women and peace and security agenda (NPT/CONF.2026/PC.III/WP.37) and Taking forward gender mainstreaming efforts in the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT/CONF.2026/PC.I/ WP.25).
Agenda
Speakers
- Mary Robinson, Member of The Elders and former President of Ireland (video)
- H.E. Amb. Do Hung Viet, President of the NPT Review Conference (tbc)
- H.E. Amb. Nuala Ní Mhuircheartaigh, Permanent Representative of Ireland to the UN in New York
- Dr Renata H. Dalaqua, Head of the Integrated Approaches Programme, UNIDIR
- H.E. Amb. Enrique Manalo, Permanent Representative of the Philippines to the UN in New York (tbc)
The event will be moderated by Dr Wilfred Wan, Director of the Weapons of Mass Destruction Programme, SIPRI.
When and where
Friday, 8 May 2026 | 13:15-14:30 EDT | Conference Room 8, UN Headquarters, New York.
Participants
The event is open to Member States representatives, civil society and academics. Kindly note that UNIDIR is not able to grant access to the UN Headquarters for those who are not already in possession of the UN accreditation.
Further information
For queries, please contact renata.hessmanndalaqua@un.org.