Celebrating the International Day of Women in Multilateralism

30.01.2025 Press and information team of the Delegation to the COUNCIL OF EUROPE in Strasbourg

On the brink of the International Day of Women in Multilateralism, the Council of Europe hosted an inspiring event to spotlight the contributions of women leaders and chart a path toward gender equality in international cooperation. Organised by the Luxembourg Presidency of the Committee of Ministers, the Informal Network of Women Deputies of Permanent Representations, and with support from the EU Delegation, the event took place at the Council of Europe headquarters.

Panel discussion International Day of Women in Multilateralism

The panel discussion celebrated women’s achievements, highlighted ongoing challenges, and sought to inspire the next generation of leaders in multilateral organisations.

A central theme of the event was how gender equality and multilateralism intersect, serving as crucial pillars of the Council of Europe’s mission. Patrick Engelberg, Luxembourg’s Permanent Representative, stressed the importance of fostering change locally. “Promoting living together is a key priority of our Presidency,” he remarked, reflecting on his experiences in diplomacy. Engelberg noted how a greater presence of women in diplomatic roles transformed professional dynamics, reducing rivalry and encouraging more open dialogue on sensitive issues.

Deputy Secretary General Bjørn Berge highlighted the pressing challenges to multilateralism and the persistent gender gap. With a global election year approaching in 2024, Berge emphasised the need for visible leadership. “I pledge to avoid participating in male-only panels,” he affirmed, underscoring the importance of small, actionable steps in advancing inclusivity.

The event’s panel brought together distinguished leaders to share their experiences and insights:

Marialena Tsirli, Registrar of the European Court of Human Rights
Gunn Jorid Roset, Acting Director General, Multilateral Department, Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Anne Goedert, Ambassador-at-Large for Human Rights, Luxembourg Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs
Begoña Lasagabaster, UNESCO’s Director for Gender Equality (via pre-recorded message).

Discussions delved into strategies for increasing women’s visibility, fostering equal opportunities, and building a pipeline of future women leaders in multilateral spaces. The event highlighted the transformative potential of women’s voices in shaping international dialogue and advancing equality.

As the Council of Europe continues to push for a more balanced, inclusive, and peaceful world, events like this underscore the critical role of women in driving multilateral progress.