The Department of State (the Department) supports the United States’ unqualified commitment to empower and protect women in countries threatened and affected by war and conflict, violence, and insecurity. Given our leadership role in U.S. diplomatic engagement, our foreign assistance programming, and robust relationships with civil society actors across the globe, we are well-positioned to support the implementation of the United States National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security through the Department’s corollary implementation plan. Throughout its second year implementing the National Action Plan, the Department built on longstanding efforts to integrate women’s views and perspectives into its diplomatic, security, and development efforts. In order to bolster the impact of its Women, Peace and Security (WPS) initiatives, the Department continued to invest in staff capacity and enhanced its internal and external coordination activities. Additionally, in 2013, the Department launched new initiatives, built on ongoing activities, and yielded positive outcomes in bilateral, multilateral, and civil society engagements that elevated the United States’ commitment to WPS issues. Lessons learned from obstacles to implementation will support the Department’s future agenda to empower and protect women and girls to achieve international peace and security.