The OSCE participating States had the opportunity, together with representatives of civil society, international organizations and academics, to share their experience, to discuss persisting challenges and to identify innovative measures for achieving equality. Main topics of the conference included women's participation in political and public life, gender mainstreaming in conflict cycle, equal economic opportunities and combating gender-based violence.

The discussion during the conference also covered the benefits of gender equality: "Women make up half of the world’s population and they must not be marginalized and excluded from exercising the same rights as men. Equal rights and participation for women are essential contributors to stability and security for all," said Sophie Karmasin, Austria´s Federal Minister for Families and Youth.