On 22 September 2026, UN Action Against Sexual Violence in Conflict (UN Action) hosted a high-level side event during High-Level Week of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA81),“Inaction Is Not an Option. From Knowledge to Prevention: The UN Action Approach to Addressing Conflict-Related Sexual Violence”.
Under the leadership of USG Pramila Patten, Chair of UN Action and Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict (SRSG-SVC), the event brought together Member States, UN entities and frontline practitioners to advance efforts to prevent conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV). Drawing on nearly two decades of UN Action experience, discussions examined emerging challenges shaping the prevention agenda, including the ways technological advancements are creating new risks and avenues for CRSV in online and offline spaces, as well as how food insecurity and climate-related shocks can exacerbate vulnerabilities and protection risks in conflict-affected settings.
The event also marked the launch of the Toolkit to Support a Survivor-Centred Approach to Preventing and Addressing CRSV, a collaborative initiative of the UN Action network developed in response to Security Council priorities and informed by consultations with survivors, affected communities and CRSV experts.
Access the event recording on UN Web TV.
Download the remarks delivered by SRSG Patten below.