PURPOSE: Between 1992 and 2019, women in diplomacy represented 13% of negotiators, 6% of mediators and 6% of signatories in peace processes worldwide. Gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls will also make a crucial contribution to progress across all the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and targets. The systematic mainstreaming of a gender perspective in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is crucial, especially since the Sustainable Development Goal 5 is calling for women’s equal participation in decision-making. At its 76th Session, the United Nations General Assembly by consensus declared the June 24th as International Day of Women in Diplomacy. Advocating for increased representation of women in key decision-making positions will greatly shape and implement multilateral agendas.
FORUM: “Women in diplomacy: A force for peace.“ International Day of Women in Diplomacy 2023. Historically, diplomacy has been the preserve of men. Women have played a critical role in diplomacy for centuries, yet their contributions have often been overlooked. It's time to recognize and celebrate the ways in which women are breaking barriers and making a difference in the field of diplomacy. In 2014, 143 countries guaranteed equality between men and women in their constitutions; another 52 countries have yet to make this important commitment. The IDWID inaugural Forum entitled ‘‘Breaking Barriers, Shaping the Future: Women in Diplomacy for Sustainable Development.’’ will feature '4 high-level conversations with distinguished women ambassadors.
The 1st conversation will Tackle success stories of women ambassadors in a Ted-Like format. As well as the main challenges and obstacles that these experts experience in their diplomatic journey.
The 2nd conversation: will feature women in diplomacy for sustainable development goals, with special focus on SDG 6 reviewed at the HLPF to be held in July 2023, and in line with the water summit 2023 midterm review. This conversation will be discussing how water impacts peace and multilateralism, and their future vision.
The 3rd conversation: Breaking Barriers in Diplomacy. This conversation highlights the inclusion of disabled diplomats by showcasing how they overcome the stereotype of physical disabilities. RASIT Female blind scientists will moderate the conversation.
The 4th Conversation will focus on science diplomacy for peace and sustainable development.
Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #womendiplomats, #24June, #Diplomacy, #WomeninDiplomacy.
EVENTS: At the UNHQ in New York on June 24th, to observe the International Day of Women in Diplomacy 2023, a high level event co-organized at the United Nations Trusteeship Council chamber by Permanent Missions of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, El Salvador, Eritrea, Grenada, Co-operative Republic of Guyana, Republic of Latvia, Republic of Malta, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Maldives, Republic of Kenya, Republic of South Africa, Saint Lucia, and the State of Qatar, in collaboration with the Office of the President of the General Assembly and UN Women will be held. the event will highlight the critical role of diplomacy in decision-making by focusing on the importance of expert and professional women in diplomatic negotiations. The plenary session more specifically will - Address the challenges and obstacles experienced by women in diplomacy, especially by young women, to highlight the most relevant solutions for future leaders. - Zoom in on women in diplomacy and discussing building capacity. - Recognize the interplay and interdependency between science, technology, and diplomacy; - Identify conditions and propose tools to put science, technology, and innovation at the heart of diplomacy. - Showcase the need to integrate understanding of social aspects and cultural dimensions in diplomacy especially with capacity development. Read the 2023 IDWID Concept Note.
In Geneva and Vienna, several panel discussions and workshops will be held. As we celebrate the remarkable contributions of women in diplomacy, we look forward to your participation in meaningful discussions on our common journey forward in the promotion of leadership and advancement of women in decision-making.
PODCASTS: “Today we are once more reminded of the importance of #UNSCR1325 and why women’s participation in peace and security processes matters!” Listen to the audio podcasts!
CAMPAIGN MATERIALS: Let’s Celebrate #womendiplomats and their achievements in the field of Diplomacy. Get the campaign materials!
WHY WE CELEBRATE THE DAY?
HOW TO GET INVOLVED!
PARTNERSHIPS
Pursuant to the adoption of the United Nations General Assembly Resolution A/RES/76/269 proclaiming 24 June as the International Day of Women in Diplomacy (IDWID) and recognizing Women in Diplomacy as important agents to further Socio-Economic Equitable and Inclusive Sustainable Development, The celebration gives the opportunity for Youth to engage with women diplomats as role models. Every year on June 24th to mark the International Day of Women in Diplomacy, the International community honours the invaluable contributions of women diplomats. Their expertise, resilience, and vision inspire us to work towards a more inclusive and equitable society. We believe women diplomats should be at the frontline of efforts to advance cooperation and inclusive transboundary water governance.
Actions to promote women in Diplomacy.
Speak about the contribution of women diplomats in the prevention and resolution of conflicts
Highlight the benefits of Equal opportunities and women’s participation in diplomacy: stereotypes and obstacles
Relate the contribution of women diplomats in promoting equality between women and men
Implement a framework of gender mainstreaming
Enhance Cooperation between women diplomats and non-governmental organisations (NGOs)
Create a Network of women diplomats.
The International Day of Women in Diplomacy is organized by United Nations Security Council, the Office of the President of the General Assembly, the Permanent missions in UN Geneva, the Permanent missions in UNHQ New York, the United Nations office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research, the United Nations Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, the United Nations Peacebuilding Support Office, the UNESCO and the UN Women.
With the participation of embassies and representations, Diplomats, Civil society Organizations, Non-Governmental Organizations and Academic institutions.