The conference was opened by H.E. Mrs. Edita Hrdá, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of the Czech Republic to the UN, and H.E. Mr. Libran Cabactulan, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of the Philippines to the UN and chair of the 58^th session of the Commission on the Status of Women, as well as H.E. Mr. Anwarul Chowdhury, former Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the UN, Member of IMPACT Leadership 21 Global Advisory Council.

 Bringing together representatives of the diplomatic community, UN agencies, NGOs, academia, youth and private and business sector, the conference provided a unique opportunity for a very open and frank debate on gender equality, role of women in society, in decision-making, role of education, role of men etc. There were two thematic panels, first on women in leadership and second engaging men in gender equality discussions and actions. One of the main messages of the conference was that gender equality has been advancing, but there is a need to accelerate efforts towards its realization. There was also a general understanding that this discussion needed to be open and inclusive.

Web links to the UN video recording of the event :

Part 1

Part 2