The Global Network of Women Peacebuilders (GNWP) pioneered the Localization of Women, Peace and Security (WPS) resolutions strategy to recognize that local leadership, ownership and participation are requisites of effective policymaking and policy implementation. Implemented in over 30 countries in the last decade, the Localization of UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325 has enhanced local civil society’s capacities to hold other actors accountable to their WPS obligations; develop concrete legal and policy instruments that strengthen the implementation of the WPS agenda; and, promote systematic coordination and greater cross-sectorial cooperation. 

The ”Localization Guidelines” are a document designed to assist local authorities in mainstreaming the relevant provisions of UNSCR 1325 and the supporting WPS resolutions and the National Action Plans/Regional Action Plans (where they exist) in local-level policies. The guidelines help institutionalize and sustain systematic cross-sectoral coordination through local ownership, leadership and commitment to the WPS resolutions to achieve better local, national, regional and global implementation of the WPS resolutions.

To date, five countries have developed, adopted and rolled out Localization Guidelines for the Localization of WPS resolutions.