High-level women's forum on decency in politics: an exemplary model for youth and the strengthening of political trust

The distinguished participants included Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže and Kosovo Foreign Minister Donika Gërvalla-Schwarz, European Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management Hadja Lahbib, WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Shekerinska, MEP Irena Joveva, The Baroness Helic of the British House of Lords, Vice President of the National Assembly Meira Hot, Ambassador of the EU to Kazakhstan Aleška Simkić and Head of Delegation of the EU to Afghanistan Veronika Bošković Pohar.

"Since we are few in number, it is particularly important that we set a good example for young people in order to strengthen trust in politics and encourage women to assume leadership roles," underlined the Slovenian Foreign Minister. The distinguished participants concurred that female politicians, irrespective of their political affiliations, must provide mutual support, address complex challenges collectively and conduct themselves in a dignified, respectful and empathetic manner. They agreed that it is imperative for them to uphold and strengthen political standards, particularly by insisting on the fundamental principles of respectful interpersonal relations and humanity.

"We must always champion the rights of women and girls. This is a priority of our foreign policy, including within the framework of Slovenia's non-permanent membership of the UN Security Council," stated Minister Fajon. Slovenia is committed to integrating gender perspectives comprehensively into the work of the UN Security Council, both by advocating for the full, equal, meaningful and safe participation of women in conflict prevention and resolution processes, and by ensuring that the Council addresses conflict-related sexual violence and holds perpetrators accountable. Within the UN General Assembly, Slovenia leads the Rotation for Equality initiative in partnership with Spain and Mexico, which seeks to ensure gender equality in UN leadership positions.

Earlier this year, Minister Fajon and her female colleagues took part in the official launch of the Women Foreign Ministers' Group, established at the initiative of the foreign ministers of Canada and Jamaica. The Group aims to utilise the distinctive perspectives and experiences of women in leadership positions, particularly in foreign policy, to strengthen their role in such positions.