Chaired by Ambassador Suzanne Riegraf, Deputy Federal Government Commissioner for Disarmament and Arms Control, German Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the aim of the conference was to reflect on GENSAC’s key activities and achievements during 2024, both on the global stage and in the regions where GENSAC is present, and also to collaborate on the development of its vision and strategy for 2025. It was attended by a number of experts on small arms and light weapons control issues from a variety of backgrounds.

The conference was interspersed with thematic discussions, covering a wide range of topics including:

– Presentation of GENSAC and its impact over the past 5 years

– The state of gender-sensitive SALW control, from local to regional to global – Voices from the frontline at the United Nations

– Using technology for gender-sensitive small arms control: exploring the use of digital tools, artificial intelligence and data to reduce gun violence.

– Key messages and the way forward for armed violence-proof inclusion

– Global regional control of small arms and light weapons and gender perspectives: amplifying reach

– Expanding the database for sex-specific solutions for small arms and light weapons

As regional focal point, I will be responsible for presenting progress on this issue in Africa, and above all for making relevant contributions to the development of the 2025 vision and strategy.