Fifteen years ago, in 2000, the UN Security Council adopted resolution 1325 on women, peace and security, which has since been followed up by a further six resolutions on the same issue. During these years, we have seen growing understanding of the fact that women’s participation and recognition of women’s rights and needs are key factors for achieving international peace and security. However, implementation of the resolutions is still too weak and progress is fragile. International efforts must be intensified to achieve better results. In many current conflicts, women’s security and rights are threatened, sexual violence is widespread and women are being forced to flee their homes. It is clear that women’s participation in peace and stabilisation processes is essential to achieving sustainable solutions. It is against this backdrop that the Government is launching Norway’s National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security for the period 2015–18. Norway’s National Action Plan is our tool for achieving the aims of the Security Council resolutions. It provides a basis for the work of the ministries and establishes a clear direction and goals for Norway’s efforts in this area. We will seek to change attitudes, build expertise and keep up the pressure to ensure that the aims of the resolutions are achieved. We will work in cooperation with the UN, NATO, and regional and national stakeholders, and in close dialogue with civil society organisations.