Shaping Feminist Foreign Policy Conference 2023

The Shaping Feminist Foreign Policy Conference will take place on 1 and 2 November 2023 in the World Forum in The Hague. Prior to this conference, a ministerial event on feminist foreign policy was held at the UN General Assembly in New York on 20 September. The Netherlands reiterated its commitment to advancing equal rights through feminist foreign policy. The meeting, co-hosted by Dutch Foreign Minister Hanke Bruins Slot, focused on turning ideas into action: read the speech by Minister of Foreign Affairs Hanke Bruins Slot and the joint political declaration on Feminist Approaches to Foreign Policy.

Strengthening the ambitions of feminist foreign policy

Through its feminist foreign policy , the Netherlands puts equal rights and equality for all – with a special focus on women, LGBTIQ+ people and other marginalised groups – at the heart of its overall foreign policy. In doing so, the Netherlands joins a number of pioneering countries like Canada, Chile, France, Germany, Luxembourg, Mexico and Spain that are working at international level for gender equality. To strengthen the international efforts and ambitions in the area of feminist foreign policy and gender equality, the Netherlands is organising this conference, which will be held in the autumn. 

Aims of the conference

The main aim of the conference  is to continue to give shape to feminist foreign policy and to get this policy on the agenda, both in the Netherlands and worldwide. The conference also aims to expand the network of like-minded countries and countries that actively pursue a feminist foreign policy. One of the main themes of the conference is resources. The event aims to call attention to the need for additional funding for women’s rights organisations and movements in the Netherlands and abroad. 

Themes

In line with Dutch feminist foreign policy, the conference has four main themes: 

1.    Rights. Women and marginalised groups all over the world must be able to invoke their universal rights and be safe from violence. 
2.    Representation. Women and marginalised groups must be represented and meaningfully involved in political and social decision-making processes. 
3.    Resources. There must be sufficient resources to implement feminist foreign policy. It is also important that women’s rights organisations and movements worldwide receive financial support.
4.    Reality check. Since conditions differ around the world and not every approach has the same effect everywhere, Dutch efforts must be adapted to the local situation. This also means verifying at various moments the policy impact and whether the right target groups are being reached.

Organisation

This is the second edition of the Shaping Feminist Foreign Policy Conference. The first was held in 2022 and organised by Germany. Mexico will host the third edition in 2024. The Netherlands is expecting around 500 participants from all over the world to attend the conference at the World Forum. They will include policymakers, academics, journalists, representatives of civil society organisations, think tanks and businesses, and other individuals with an interest in this topic.

Programme

Many leading speakers from the Netherlands and abroad will be present at the conference on 1 and 2 November 2023 to share their knowledge and experience regarding feminist foreign policy. Participants will be able to attend plenary sessions, panel discussions and workshops, and there will be ample opportunity to network. Anyone unable to travel to The Hague will be able to view some of the sessions online on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ YouTube channel.  More information about the programme will be made available in the coming weeks.

Target groups and participation

The conference aims to bring together interested parties and experts from civil society, the private sector, government, the business community, intergovernmental organisations, academia and any other relevant parties. The event offers a platform for exchanging knowledge, stories and artistic expression, discussing dilemmas and solutions, sharing best practices and considering specific next steps. Participation is by personal invitation only.  

Information Note for participants

Important information for participants of the Shaping Feminist Foreign Policy Conference, such as practical and logistical matters, can be found in this Information Note.

Contact

If you have any questions about Shaping Feminist Foreign Policy 2023 please email the organisers at fbb-conferentie@minbuza.nl.