International Day of Women In Diplomacy; June 24th.

FORUM: "Women in Diplomacy: Influence in Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding." International Day of Women in Diplomacy 2026. 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 third 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 80 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.

EVENT: On Wednesday June 24th; A virtual event marking the Second World Forum on Women in Diplomacy will be held from 10:00 to 15:00 pm EST on the theme "Women in Diplomacy: Influence in Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding". The Forum's structure comprises a high-level opening segment that sets the thematic and global context, followed by three main discussion sessions: Session 1: will present global evidence and case studies demonstrating the impact of women's participation in peace processes. Session 2: will examine pathways to move from symbolic inclusion to structural leadership through policy reforms, national action plans, and strengthened mediation networks. Session 3: will explore emerging peace and security challenges and include an intergenerational dialogue with women diplomats and peacebuilders. The Forum will conclude with a summary of key messages, the presentation of outcome document, and commitments to follow-up action. Register to participate!

Second World Forum on Women in Diplomacy on the theme "Women in Diplomacy: Influence in Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding".

The Forum's structure comprises a high-level opening segment that sets the thematic and global context, followed by three main discussion sessions:

Session 1: will present global evidence and case studies demonstrating the impact of women's participation in peace processes.
Session 2: will examine pathways to move from symbolic inclusion to structural leadership through policy reforms, national action plans, and strengthened mediation
networks.
Session 3: will explore emerging peace and security challenges and include an intergenerational dialogue with women diplomats and peacebuilders.


The Forum will conclude with a summary of key messages, the presentation of
outcome document, and commitments to follow-up action.


I. Background and Rationale 

The 21st century is marked by a proliferation of complex and protracted conflicts, geopolitical fragmentation, and unprecedented humanitarian crises. Despite the global recognition of the Women, Peace and Security agenda, anchored in UN Security Council Resolution 1325 and its subsequent resolutions, women remain significantly underrepresented in formal peace negotiations, mediation teams, ceasefire monitoring, and high-level diplomatic decision-making. Council on Foreign Relations studies consistently demonstrate that peace agreements are 35% more likely to last at least 15 years when women are meaningfully involved in the negotiation process. Evidence also shows that women mediators and negotiators broaden peace agendas to include community needs, social cohesion, justice, and long-term recovery, elements essential for sustainable peace. Yet, in major peace processes between 1992 and 2019, women constituted only 13% of negotiators, 6% of mediators, and 6% of signatories (the UN Secretary-General’s Report on Women, Peace and Security, 2023). The absence of women in peace and security decision-making is particularly alarming given the current global landscape of escalating conflicts, rising displacement, and the erosion of multilateral trust. These challenges require diplomatic leadership that is inclusive, representative, and capable of bridging divides. Women diplomats bring diverse perspectives, negotiation styles, and priorities that strengthen conflict resolution and peacebuilding outcomes. At the same time, the root causes of increasing multidimensional fragility need to be addressed consistently, whereby the rising water and climate-related insecurity constitutes an important entry point for building community resilience and stability. The Cansu Global Intergovernmental Initiative presents an example of complementing water diplomacy efforts with community resilience to manage, absorb and mitigate water and climate related risks. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly SDG 16 on peaceful, just, and inclusive societies, underscores the need for inclusive institutions and participatory decision-making. The Pact for the Future (Section II: Peace and Security, Paragraphs 29-33), the New Agenda for Peace (Section: Preventing Conflict and Sustaining Peace, Paragraphs 57-60), and the Doha Programme of Action for Least Developed Countries (Section: Peace and Security, Paragraphs 161-165) further reaffirm that sustainable peace cannot be achieved without women’s full, equal, and meaningful participation at all levels. Against this backdrop, and building on RASIT’s pioneering approach to diplomacy -broadening its meaning since 1968 beyond traditional statecraft to encompass Science Diplomacy, Education and Cultural Exchange, and the Culture for Peace - the second edition of the World Forum on Women in Diplomacy, is convened to advance a focused global dialogue on transforming women’s participation in diplomacy and conflict prevention from symbolic representation to structural influence and measurable delivery. 

II. Objectives 

1. Assess structural barriers that limit women’s leadership in diplomacy, mediation, and peace and security decision-making, and identify reforms needed to transform participation from symbolic to structural and delivery-oriented. 2. Highlight evidence-based research and case studies demonstrating the impact of women’s meaningful participation on the durability, inclusivity, and implementation of peace agreements, including through conflict prevention initiatives. 3. Identify strategies to institutionalize women’s leadership at national, regional, and multilateral levels, including strengthening pipelines for women’s advancement to senior diplomatic and peacebuilding roles. 4. Promote cross-regional dialogue among diplomats, policymakers, researchers, and civil society to advance implementation and accountability for UNSCR 1325 and subsequent Women, Peace and Security commitments. 5. Develop actionable, resourced, and measurable recommendations to ensure women’s full, equal, and meaningful participation in mediation, negotiation, and peacebuilding processes. 6. Acknowledge and position women’s community development initiatives as core contributions to achieve social stability and combat multidimensional fragility.


III. Expected Outcomes


1. A set of actionable, evidence-based recommendations to strengthen women’s leadership in diplomacy and peace and security processes.
2. Enhanced visibility of women diplomats and their contributions to multilateralism and conflict resolution and peacebuilding.
3. Strengthened partnerships among Member States, UN entities, academic institutions, and civil society.
4. A Forum Outcome Document outlining commitments to advance structural, accountable implementation of the Women, Peace, and Security agenda.
5. Inputs to ongoing UN processes, including SDG 16 implementation, the New Agenda for Peace, and Women, Peace, and Security reporting mechanisms.


IV. Format and Structure


The Forum’s structure comprises a high-level opening segment that sets the thematic and global context, followed by three main discussion sessions: Session 1: will present global evidence and case studies demonstrating the impact of women’s participation in peace processes. Session 2: will examine pathways to move from symbolic inclusion to structural leadership through policy reforms, national action plans, and strengthened mediation networks. Session 3: will explore emerging peace and security challenges and include an intergenerational dialogue with women diplomats and peacebuilders. The Forum will conclude with a summary of key messages, the presentation of outcome document, and commitments to follow-up action.


AGENDA PROGRAMME


10.00-10.30: Opening Segment Women at the Frontlines of Diplomacy for Peace and Security. 

The Opening Segment brings together dignitaries, senior officials, Permanent Representatives, and institutional leaders to reaffirm the centrality of women’s leadership in shaping peaceful, secure, and resilient societies. Framing the Forum’s objectives, the segment positions women diplomats as indispensable actors in advancing multilateral cooperation and safeguarding global peace and security. In their statements, dignitaries are encouraged to highlight the evidence demonstrating that women’s full, equal, and meaningful participation in diplomacy strengthens conflict prevention, enhances negotiation outcomes, and contributes to durable peace, as well as to underscore the need for renewed commitments to institutional reforms, capacity‑building, and accountability. Welcoming Remarks: • H.E. Dr. Helena Dalli, Former EU Commissioner for Equality, Chair, World Forum on Women in Diplomacy. Opening Statement:

10.30 – 11.30: Session 1: Evidence and Impact: Why Women Matter in Peace Processes. 

This session presents the latest global data and research demonstrating the measurable impact of women’s participation in peace processes. Through comparative studies, case examples, and evidence-based analysis, speakers will highlight how women’s leadership in mediation and conflict resolution contributes to more inclusive negotiations and significantly increases the likelihood of achieving durable peace agreements. The discussion will underscore the strategic importance of women’s full and meaningful engagement across all stages of peace processes, grounding the Forum’s deliberations in rigorous, policy-relevant evidence. Moderator: Distinguished Panelists.

11.30 – 12.30: Session 2: From Symbolic to Structural: Institutionalizing Women in Diplomacy Leadership.

This session examines the reforms and systemic shifts required to embed women’s leadership at the core of diplomatic institutions. Discussions will focus on policy reforms, national action plans, and the transformation of diplomatic services to ensure women in diplomacy achieve full, equal, and sustained participation in leadership roles. The session will also highlight women’s contributions to diplomacy and mediation, emphasizing mechanisms that strengthen support, visibility, and accountability across the international community, including within bodies such as the United Nations Security Council. In addressing emerging challenges and opportunities, the session will consider how to advance women’s diplomatic leadership within multilateralism to deliver long-lasting peace and security. Moderator: Distinguished Panelists:

12.30 – 13.30: Session 3: The Future of Multilateralism: Women in Diplomacy for Peace and Security. This session explores the critical role of women diplomats in shaping a more resilient and responsive multilateral system amid emerging global threats. Discussions will examine women’s leadership in addressing climate-related insecurity, digital conflict, misinformation, and growing geopolitical fragmentation. Speakers will highlight how women advance cooperative, culturally informed, and society-responsive diplomacy that strengthens trust and multilateral engagement. The session will also underscore women’s contributions to justice, accountability, and community resilience, emphasizing their essential role in building a more inclusive and effective global peace and security architecture. Moderator: Distinguished Panelists:

13.30-14.15: Closing Segment Commitments for the Present: Women Strengthening Peace, Security, and Multilateral Action 

 The Closing Session brings the Forum’s deliberations together with a concise summary of key messages emerging from the discussions. Participants will be presented with the draft Outcome Document, reflecting shared priorities and proposed actions to advance women’s leadership of all abilities across diplomacy, peace, and security. The segment concludes with a collective commitment to follow-up measures, reinforcing the Forum’s role in driving sustained progress and strengthening women’s contributions to the future of multilateral cooperation. Moderator: Respondent: UN Member States Commitments.

Related Sites and Documents: Concept Note.

Watch the 2nd World Forum on Women in Diplomacy!