Slovenia hosted a significant event at the Human Rights Council, focusing on promoting equality through multilateralism. This high-level gathering included global government officials, UN agencies, and members of civil society, all discussing the vital role of women in diplomacy. Co-organized with nations like Maldives and Spain, it aimed to enhance women’s representation in addressing global issues.
Ambassador Melita Gabrič, Slovenia’s State Secretary for Multilateral Affairs, expressed the need to bridge the gender gap in decision-making roles, particularly in international diplomacy. Despite progress, women’s underrepresentation persists, limiting the diversity of perspectives essential for tackling complex challenges. She highlighted Slovenia’s initiatives to boost gender equality, including gender-responsive diplomatic training and partnerships with NGOs under the Bridging the Gap initiative.
Maldives’ Foreign Affairs Minister, Dr. Abdulla Khaleel, reiterated the importance of structural changes to facilitate women’s participation in diplomacy. He advocated for removing barriers and promoting female leadership to build a more inclusive and effective multilateral system. His comments reinforced the Maldives’ commitment to elevating women’s voices in global decision-making.
Morocco’s Permanent Representative, Mr. Omar Zniber, asserted that “there is no future for multilateralism without gender equality.” He pointed out the necessity for interconnected efforts at various levels to achieve parity in diplomacy. Zniber announced a collaborative draft resolution focusing on women, diplomacy, and human rights, which seeks to bolster women’s representation within multilateral frameworks.
Spain, represented by Mr. Marcos Gómez Martínez, shared its experience of implementing a Feminist Foreign Policy since 2021, which has enhanced equal representation in multilateral discussions. He emphasised that gender equality is intrinsic to UN reforms and must address stereotypes and structural barriers to women’s participation.
Thailand’s Permanent Representative, Ms. Usana Berananda, shared that women comprise 66% of Thailand’s foreign service officers, yet challenges like work-life balance persist. She stressed that institutional support is crucial for advancing gender equality within diplomatic roles.
Civil society voices added depth to the discussions, with Ms. Estelle Wagner highlighting the need for collaboration to overcome barriers hindering gender equality. Ms. Lola Sanchez from the Universal Rights Group urged for women to centralise their roles within multilateral systems to achieve sustainable development goals.
UN Women’s Sarah Hendriks stressed the importance of global norms for fostering women’s leadership. She advocated for increased representation of women in diplomacy, making accountability mechanisms and strong financial support pivotal for progress in achieving gender equality in multilateralism.
The conversation was expertly moderated by Ms. Sigrun Habermann from UNOG, leaving participants inspired and determined to further the cause of gender equality in international diplomacy.
Slovenia’s high-level event at the Human Rights Council focused on advancing equality through multilateralism and enhancing women’s representation in diplomacy. Key speakers, including representatives from Maldives, Morocco, Spain, and Thailand, addressed the importance of gender equality in international decision-making. Initiatives and commitments to improve women’s participation, such as a cross-regional draft resolution advocating for women in diplomacy, were highlighted, showcasing the collaborative effort for inclusive global governance.
The event underscored the urgent need for gender equality in multilateralism, gathering diverse voices committed to transforming diplomatic practices. By amplifying women’s roles in negotiations and decision-making, the participants collectively affirmed their dedication to creating a more equitable global landscape. Continued collaboration among nations and civil society remains essential in overcoming the barriers women face in diplomacy.
Original Source: www.gov.si
