Director-General's remarks at IGC's 10-Year Anniversary: A Decade of Leadership for Gender Equality

“A Decade of Leadership for Gender Equality: Celebrating IGC’s 10-Year Anniversary”
Thursday, 3 July 2025, at 12:00
Serpentine Bar, Palais des Nations

Excellencies,
Distinguished Guests,
International Gender Champions,
Ladies and gentlemen,

It is a great honor to welcome you today at the Palais des Nations for the celebration of a decade of leadership for gender equality. I extend my deepest gratitude to the International Gender Champions Secretariat and all supporting partners for organizing this important event. Your commitment and dedication to advancing gender equality have been instrumental in shaping a more inclusive and equitable world.

I am particularly pleased to acknowledge the presence of so many International Gender Champions here today. Over the past ten years, this network has grown into a powerful force for change, uniting over 800 leaders worldwide who are committed to breaking down barriers and making gender equality a reality within their spheres of influence. From policy reforms to cultural shifts, from amplifying underrepresented voices to implementing tangible actions, the IGC network has demonstrated that real change happens when leaders take action.

Since its founding in Geneva in 2015 by my predecessor Michael Møller, Ambassador Pamela Hamamoto, and Ms. Caitlin Kraft-Buchman - all of whom are present today- the International Gender Champions initiative has expanded across six hubs, fostering collaboration and driving meaningful progress. As we reflect on this remarkable journey, we must also recognize that our work is far from over. We are witnessing backsliding in women’s rights, including growing restrictions on reproductive health, persistent gender-pay gaps, and barriers to women’s participation in leadership and decision-making. The rise of gender-based violence, exacerbated by conflicts and humanitarian crises, further threatens the safety and dignity of women and girls worldwide. These setbacks remind us that gender equality requires constant vigilance, renewed commitment and bold leadership.

At UN Geneva, we have actively promoted gender equality through public awareness initiatives that highlight the contributions of women across various sectors. The “Not a Woman’s Job?” photo exhibition, held four times since 2021, has challenged stereotypes and celebrated women in traditionally male-dominated fields. The most recent edition, launched on 24 June 2025, focused on women in multilateral diplomacy, reinforcing the importance of gender-balanced leadership in global governance.

Similarly, the “17 Faces of Action” exhibition has showcased the transformative role of women in achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Since the start of this project in 2022, the exhibitions were held in 10 countries (Saudi Arabia, Kenya, El Salvador, Mongolia, the United Arab Emirates, Vietnam, Georgia, Portugal, Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan), highlighting the diverse contributions of women to sustainable development across continents. With a major exhibition at the Palais des Nations planned for October 2025, we are on track to cover all continents, ultimately featuring 170 women and their tangible impact on the SDGs.

Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,

Ending gender-based violence is fundamental to achieving gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls. Without safety, dignity, and freedom from violence, true equality remains out of reach. The United Nations in Geneva remains steadfast in our commitment to addressing domestic violence, including through our participation in the Inter-agency annual campaign 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence. Launched in 1991, this global initiative runs annually from 25 November to 10 December, raising awareness and mobilizing action to prevent and eliminate violence against women and girls. By engaging governments, civil society and individuals worldwide, the campaign has helped drive policy changes, strengthen legal protections and amplify the voices of survivors. We have made progress, but the fight is far from over — we must continue to raise awareness, fortify protections and uphold justice for survivors.

In addition, the United Nations Office at Geneva has taken a strong stance against unconscious bias and casual sexism. Following the initial groundbreaking work by Michael Møller in 2018, in 2022, a dedicated campaign with the slogan “I Say No to Sexism: What Do You Say?” was relaunched at the Palais des Nations, with the participation of fellow International Gender Champions who made a firm commitment to stand for zero tolerance of gender-based violence and sexist attitudes. This initiative underscores the urgency of addressing such behaviors, which remain pervasive today —perhaps even more so, given the alarming rise of online sexism. Together, we must ensure that respect, dignity and equality are upheld in every workplace, policy and interaction.

Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,

As we celebrate ten years of transformative leadership, we must also set our sights on an even more ambitious future. Advancing gender equality and empowering women and girls requires strengthened partnerships, broader sectoral engagement, and renewed international commitment—this is not optional, but essential.

Let us continue to challenge outdated norms and stereotypes, fostering a world where equal opportunity and inclusion are fully realized for everyone. The International Gender Champions network has proven that change is possible — and together, we will ensure that this momentum only grows stronger.

Thank you for your exemplary dedication, inspiring leadership, and unwavering commitment to advancing gender equality. Let us keep pushing forward — because every step we take brings us closer to a more just and equitable world.

Thank you.