ICELAND
Iceland’s first NAP was for the period 2008-2012, its second for 2013-2016, its third NAP covers 2018-2022 and the fourth and current NAP is for the period of 2025-2030.
Objectives of the 2025-2030
Iceland’s NAP is built around three pillars. The Ministry for Foreign Affairs (MFA) will oversee the overall implementation of the NAP and in collaboration with partners, report on it to the government, parliament and international partners on a regular basis. The pillars build on the experience and outcomes of the previous NAPs;
- achieving full, equal and meaningful participation of women in peace processes, security and defence,
- protection of women and girls in conflict settings,
- integrating gender perspectives into security and defence in Iceland. Iceland ranks number four on the Women’s Peace and Security Index by Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security.
Commentary:
The action plan will be implemented by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs in collaboration with eight partners, who are responsible for specific actions: The Prime Minister's Office (PMO), Ministry of Justice (MOJ), Ministry of Social Affairs and Housing (MSL), National Commissioner of the Icelandic Police (NCP), Icelandic Coast Guard (ICG), Gender Equality Studies and Training Program (GRÓ/GEST), Institute of International Affairs (IIA), Directorate of Labour (DL).
Civil society involvement in development of the NAP:
The Ministry for Foreign Affairs led the policy work in collaboration with ministries, civil organizations in the area of security and defence, academia and research institutions and civil society.
UN Peacekeeping Statistics:
As of March 31, 2025, Iceland does not have an army, and therefore does not send military forces to UN Peacekeeping Missions.However, it does contribute civilian personnel to UN Missions, primarily experts in fields relevant to the mission, through its Iceland Crisis Response Unit that deploys roughly 10-20 experts at any given time. Civilian participation is seen as a vital bridge between conventional peacekeeping and economic development and is therefore very important in building and maintaining peace through a comprehensive approach.
Women in peacekeeping:
Iceland’s NAP specifically mentions including more women in conflict resolution strategies and the necessity of this for strengthening the international community as a whole. They also reference the need to involve more women in peacebuilding directly and focus on the need for continued education on issues of gender equality, including sexual violence in conflict, political and economic empowerment of women, and increasing the number of women in political and security institutions.
References and sources:
Iceland National Action Plan
https://www.wpsnaps.org/app/uploads/2019/09/Iceland-NAP-3-2018-2022.pdf
Iceland Crisis Response Unit, Government of Iceland
