The first of a series of dialogues on driving gender equality forward was held today at UN City in Copenhagen. Co-hosted by UNOPS and the Embassies of Australia, Ireland and Norway to Denmark, the event was joined by a panel of influential voices from public and private sectors, as well as civil society.

"In most countries, the focus on women and girls in the Sustainable Development Goals has not yet turned into practice. If we truly want to solve the world’s biggest problems, we need productive dialogue and pro-active implementation, working together across issues, sectors and geographies," said UNOPS Executive Director Grete Faremo, in her opening remarks.

Panelists represented a variety of sectors including business, politics, science and the media. They explored gender equality issues through the overarching lens of cultural change, leadership, accountability, sustainability, international development and humanitarian aid, as well as challenges and actions that can be taken in the private sector.

“We can’t get further if we don’t include men in the fight for gender equality,” said Ms. Kira Appel of Denmark’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Gender Equality Department, in a keynote address.

The following Ambassadors provided introductory speeches at the event:

• Ambassador of Australia to Denmark, H.E. Mary Ellen Miller
• Ambassador of Ireland to Denmark, H.E. Cliona Manahan
• Ambassador of Norway to Denmark, H.E. Aud Kolberg
• Ambassador of South Africa to Denmark, H.E. Zindziswa Mandela
• Ambassador of Switzerland to Denmark, H.E. Benedikt Wechsler   

Additional sessions of the Gender Dialogues series are planned throughout the year, with the support of the international diplomatic community based in Scandinavia, to help inspire many to be part of the solution.