Gender equality in contemporary foreign policy and regional responses to gender-based violence were at the centre of the debate during the “CEI Conference on gender equality and diplomacy: the role of Ministries of Foreign Affairs in promoting gender equality in the CEI region”, held in Podgorica on 24-25 June.
The event, organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Montenegro and its Women Diplomats Network, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Ministries of Human and Minority Rights and of Social Welfare, Family Care and Demography, brought together representatives from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of CEI Member States, alongside national institutions and international organisations working on gender issues.
Opening speeches were delivered by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Montenegro Ervin Ibrahimović and UNDP Resident Representative Ekaterina Paniklova.
The CEI-Executive Secretariat was represented by Ivana Pejović, Deputy Secretary General, and Barbara Fabro, Senior Executive Officer.
In her opening remarks, Pejovic emphasised that “the CEI can play a pivotal role in promoting women’s empowerment through capacity-building, mentorship, professional development, and networks that expand participation, leadership and economic opportunities, while also advancing common standards and strengthening regional and judicial cooperation to protect victims of gender-based violence and ensure accountability”.
During the two-day representatives from CEI countries shared experiences on integrating gender perspectives into diplomatic practice and multilateral cooperation, drawing on national policies and practices while exploring opportunities to strengthen regional cooperation. A dedicated discussion focused on efforts to combat gender-based violence and femicide across the CEI region, highlighting the need to translate policy objectives into effective prevention through stronger institutional coordination, more effective prevention mechanisms, and enhanced support services for survivors.
The key messages and recommendations emerging from the conference will be further elaborated for submission to the CEI relevant bodies.
The event reaffirmed the CEI’s commitment to promoting gender equality, building on its long-standing efforts to foster women’s empowerment, inclusive governance, and sustainable development throughout the region.
See also: Programme
For more info: fabro@cei.int
