PPWG has evolved from the now retired Pacific Campaign for Disarmament & Security (PCDS).* Since 1984, PCDS served as a broad and diverse research, information and support network in the Asia-Pacific region. PCDS has been part of a worldwide effort to achieve human security, having contributed to local, national and regional initiatives related to non-military solutions to conflict.
In 2006, as a small, non-governmental network, PCDS faced a number of challenges including minimal funding, looming "retirement" of its principle workers, a less active network and a diversity of other pressing issues in the region. On the positive side, at the same time, groups which address some of PCDS's concerns, have been established.
In order to continue to work on its critical issues of concern, but at the same time face the reality of changing circumstances, PCDS reinvented itself. In July 2007, it retired its "campaign" structure, offices and name and reconfigured itself into a small, informal, decentralized working group - the Pacific Peace Working Group (PPWG).