DUBLIN, Ireland (CHATNEWSTV) — A high-level side event held Tuesday on the margins of the OSCE Ministerial Council in Dublin celebrated 20 years of the OSCE Action Plan for the Promotion of Gender Equality (GAP). Adopted in 2004, the GAP underpins the Organization’s commitment to advancing gender equality as a cornerstone for peace, security, and sustainable development across its participating States.
Malta’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Ian Borg, opened the event, joined by OSCE Troika partners Elina Valtonen, Finland’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Zoran Dimitrovski, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of North Macedonia.
“The Action Plan has provided a roadmap for integrating gender equality into all aspects of our work,” Borg said.
He urged member states to “reaffirm their support for the obligations and objectives set out in the Action Plan. We must all address the remaining gaps and accelerate efforts to deliver full gender equality.”
The discussion reflected on two decades of progress under the GAP, highlighting achievements, ongoing challenges, and the critical role of the OSCE Secretariat, Institutions, and Field Operations. Ministers emphasized the need for gender-responsive approaches in addressing contemporary security challenges and reaffirmed the importance of the Women, Peace, and Security agenda.
Lara Scarpitta, OSCE Senior Advisor on Gender Issues, moderated the event, which included testimonials from two beneficiaries of the OSCE Gender Issues Programme: Khrystyna Kit, Head of the Ukrainian Women Lawyers Association (JurFem), and Heela Yoon, Founder of Afghan Youth Ambassadors for Peace Organization. Both shared insights on advancing gender equality and fostering resilience in conflict-affected communities.
“The work of these women exemplifies the transformative impact of gender equality initiatives,” Valtonen said.
“Their leadership shows the importance of including diverse voices in peacebuilding and security efforts.”
Held during the global “16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence” campaign, the event also addressed the urgent need to combat violence against women, including in contexts exacerbated by conflicts such as Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Looking ahead, participants recommitted to advancing gender equality as a strategic priority. Finland, the incoming OSCE Chair, pledged to continue promoting gender equality, mainstreaming gender, and implementing the Women, Peace, and Security agenda.
“Together, we can create inclusive pathways to security and meaningful participation for all.”
“The OSCE remains a unique platform for fostering cooperation and driving progress on gender equality,” Dimitrovski said.
Editor: Gabriel Ani
