Numerous countries have also developed second, third, and even fourth-generation NAPs, building on the work and lessons learned from previous plans. Frequently, NAPs are aligned with national development agendas, gender equality policies, and other relevant policy frameworks. However, countries have taken very different approaches to NAP planning, development and implementation. NAPs vary a great deal in terms of focus, timeline, content, budget, and monitoring and evaluation frameworks.
Over the past 19 years of developing and adapting National Action Plans, implementation of the WPS agenda has also been advanced on other levels, including the regional, organizational, and local levels. There have been Regional Action Plans (RAPs) put in place, such as the one of the African Union and of the European Union. Regional coordination efforts also include the Asia-Pacific Regional Symposium on National Action Plans on Women, Peace and Security where Member States, alongside civil society representatives, share their lessons learned and best practices in the implementation of UNSCR 1325. In some countries, the development of NAPs has been done in parallel with Local Action Plans in particular cities or regions of a country. Many National Action Plans also provide directives for government agencies and bodies to develop their own plans for mainstreaming WPS across their work.