F his panel was moderated by Kehlashan Basu, who is the Founder-President of Green Hope Foundation and a United Nations Human Rights Champion. The panel featured members from GWL: Voices for Change and Inclusion, who provided their perspectives on the importance of a strengthened multilateral system in achieving gender equality.
The discussion was centered on the importance of strengthening multilateralism to accelerate gender equality and parity within international institutions. As part of the panel, respondents emphasized how gender equality will be a pivotal tool in achieving ALL the Sustainable Development Goals from the United Nations. The panelists also highlighted that in a world comprised of 50% women, it is impossible to achieve the UNSDGs if 50% of the human population is excluded.
In the final takeaways of the forum, the panelists advocated for what they believe are the most important actions for success in achieving gender equality. These actions include working with the private sector and civil society groups; reforming mindsets on women’s education; enhancing the care economy; allocating sufficient funding for gendered initiatives; and forming strategic partnerships. All of these efforts are part of the multilateral initiatives to achieve the women’s agenda.
Participants:
- Maria Fernanda Espinosa, President of the United Nations General Assembly for the 73rd Session and GWL Voices member
- Mayu Avila, Former Minister of Foreign Affairs of El Salvador and GWL Voices member
- Maria Elena Aguero, Club de Madrid’d Secretary General and GWL Voices member
- Melanne Verveer, Executive Director of the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security at Georgetown University and GWL Voices member
- Kathy Calvin, Former President and Chief Executive Officer of the United Nations Foundation and GWL Voices member
- Gina Casar, World Food Programme Director and GWL Voices member
