PURPOSE: In its resolution 76/269 of 20 June 2022, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed June 24th as the International Day of Women in Diplomacy. This significant day aims to celebrate the contributions of women to diplomacy and highlight challenges that prevent the equal participation of women at all levels of decision-making. It provides an opportunity for Member States, the UN system, other international and regional organizations, civil society, academic institutions, associations of women diplomats and other stakeholders to promote the full and equal participation of women at all levels of diplomacy through education and awareness-raising activities. 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’s Leadership in Multilateral Diplomacy." International Day of Women In Diplomacy 2024. Despite their undeniable contributions, women continue to face barriers and inequalities in leadership and decision-making spaces, including in diplomacy. The representation of women in key diplomatic roles, such as negotiators and mediators in peace processes, remains low. The observance seeks to address those challenges and to emphasize the importance of women’s leadership in political decision-making processes. The second annual commemorative event to mark the International Day of Women in Diplomacy at the United Nations Headquarters in New York will bring together high-level government officials, diplomats, senior representatives of the UN system and other stakeholders. The event aims to facilitate interactive discussions and exchanges on the contributions, challenges and opportunities for women in diplomacy to catalyze change and transformation in multilateral affairs. Building on last year’s commemoration, the event will feature an informal discussion on ways to strengthen women’s leadership in multilateral organizations. Over the past year, women took the helm for the first time of several organizations in the UN system (IOM, ITU, WMO). At the same time, women continue to be underrepresented in leadership positions in all fields of diplomacy. According to a recent report published by GWL Voices, women lead only one third of multilateral organizations. Over the past 78 years, only 4 women served as Presidents of the General Assembly and only one out of Main Committee chairs is a woman during the current session of the Assembly. Furthermore, no woman has ever been appointed as Secretary-General of the United Nations. Against this background, the discussion will explore challenges and opportunities to strengthen women’s leadership in the multilateral arena. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #womendiplomats, #24June, #Diplomacy, #WomeninDiplomacy.
EVENTS: On Monday, June 24th, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Trusteeship Council Chamber, UN Headquarters, New York, the commemorative event to mark the International Day of Women in Diplomacy 2024 under the theme ''Women’s Leadership in Multilateral Diplomacy'' will be held. Wacth the livestream!
STATEMENTS: Read the following statements issued during the commemorative event.
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: Participate to the International Day of Women In Diplomacy 2024 campaign under the theme "Women’s Leadership in Multilateral Diplomacy." to 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.