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In 2000, the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 1325 to uphold women’s rights in conflict and their roles in peace and security. Despite signs of progress, the impact on women’s lives and roles worldwide has been sporadic. This briefing argues that 15 years on, the UN and Member States should use a formal review of the Women, Peace and Security agenda as a crucial opportunity to address key gaps. New commitments should focus on women’s participation, preventing conflict and gender-based violence, monitoring and implementation, and financing.

Typhoon Haiyan not only killed thousands and made millions homeless. It also struck an already poor region, pushing families deeper into poverty, and making them more vulnerable to the next disaster., Governments and individuals have acted generously. Despite serious challenges, the aid response is now expanding. But crucial gaps must still be urgently addressed., And as the long road to recovery begins, the Philippines authorities and the world must increase efforts to tackle poverty, and to reduce the growing risk of climate-related disasters that the Philippines and other countries will face.

The monsoon floods that began in Pakistan in July 2010 caused a colossal disaster. Thanks to the collective efforts of the Pakistani Government, UN agencies, international NGOs, and local relief organisations, the response has achieved major successes and seen millions of Pakistanis receive vital emergency relief. Six months into the floods, the disaster is not over and many people still need humanitarian assistance. Ongoing emergency relief is just the first step in rebuilding devastated communities. A nationally-led, pro-poor reconstruction programme is needed now to create a path of sustainable development leading to a fairer and more disaster-resilient Pakistan. This is one of a series of papers that will analyse the impact of the 2010 Pakistan Floods and the challenges and opportunities facing the Government of Pakistan and the international community as Pakistan rebuilds.

Survivors have begun rebuilding their homes, communities, and livelihoods — but as another hazardous Himalayan winter looms, urgent efforts are needed to ensure that people stay safe and the reconstruction process is not derailed.