On June 24th, the European diplomatic community gathered in Brussels with renewed vigor and a unified message: equality in diplomacy is not just an ideal—it’s an imperative. Held at The Nine, the Fourth Annual Meeting of the Network of Women in EU Diplomatic Services (WEDIN EU) marked a significant milestone in the ongoing journey to empower women within the European External Action Service (EEAS) and beyond.
Timed to honor the International Day of Women in Diplomacy, this year’s summit brought together WEEAS (Women at EEAS) and women diplomat networks from across the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of EU Member States. Together, they reaffirmed their commitment to gender parity, not just within institutional walls, but across the broader spectrum of global diplomacy, peace, and security.
Diplomacy Through the Lens of Inclusion
In her opening address, Benedikta von Seherr-Thoss, Chair of Women at EEAS, set a powerful tone for the day’s agenda.
“We can all be role models through connection, compassion, and integrity,” she declared.
Her words reflected the growing realization that inclusive diplomacy isn’t simply a matter of representation—it’s about effectiveness. Diverse perspectives enrich negotiations, strengthen partnerships, and yield sustainable outcomes, especially in today’s geopolitically complex world.
The EEAS, as the European Union’s diplomatic arm, has taken tangible steps toward gender mainstreaming, building robust support networks for women diplomats and encouraging practices that promote inclusion, collaboration, and equity within the foreign service.
Spotlight on Gender-Mapping and Institutional Transformation
Moderated by WEDIN EU Coordinator Aude Maio-Coliche, the day was structured around engaging discussions and interactive sessions designed to explore best practices, assess institutional progress, and strategize future actions.
Key themes included:
Gender-mapping within EU diplomatic institutions—identifying gaps, barriers, and opportunities. Policy tools to drive gender equity internally, including leadership pipelines and inclusive recruitment. The evolving role of women diplomats in defending core European values and navigating security challenges.
These conversations emphasized that building gender-inclusive diplomacy requires more than policies—it demands culture change. From daily office interactions to multilateral negotiations, equity must be both a guiding principle and a lived experience.
Women, Peace, and Security: 25 Years and Counting
One of the most powerful contributions came from Women in International Security Canada, invited as a Guest Speaker in recognition of the 25th anniversary of the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Agenda.
Addressing the summit, Koenig offered sobering yet galvanizing insights into the real cost of exclusion in peace processes.
“Women’s exclusion from peace tables is not just a missed opportunity—it’s a failure of strategy,” she stated.
“Peace agreements are 35% more likely to last at least 15 years when women participate meaningfully.”
This data-driven truth reaffirmed the strategic necessity of women’s full and meaningful participation in conflict resolution, security frameworks, and diplomacy. Koenig’s remarks made it clear: in a world marked by escalating conflicts and crises, sustainable peace cannot be achieved without gender equity at every table.
Forward Momentum: A Collective Commitment
The WEDIN EU summit didn’t just serve as a platform for dialogue—it was a call to action. Across panels and breakout sessions, participants exchanged ideas on how to build stronger mentorship networks, promote gender-aware foreign policies, and ensure greater visibility and voice for women in leadership roles.
The message was clear: progress has been made, but the journey is far from complete. Advancing the role of women in diplomacy requires consistent institutional effort, international cooperation, and a belief in the power of inclusive leadership.
Importantly, the networks represented at WEDIN EU also committed to extending these values outward—by advocating for gender equality in all EU foreign policies, supporting women in conflict zones, and reinforcing the WPS agenda amid growing global volatility.
Why Women in Diplomacy Matters Now More Than Ever
In today’s rapidly evolving geopolitical climate, diplomacy cannot afford to remain exclusionary. From climate negotiations and digital policy to peace treaties and humanitarian interventions, the presence of women is essential for crafting nuanced, resilient, and lasting solutions.
The European External Action Service’s ongoing commitment to women in diplomacy sends a strong signal to the world: diverse leadership isn’t optional—it’s the foundation for future diplomacy. When women are equally represented, diplomatic outcomes are not only more equitable but more effective.
The Fourth Annual WEDIN EU event marks another powerful step in building that future—one where compassion, courage, and collaboration lead the way in international relations.
As this year’s theme reinforced, the mission is not only to empower women diplomats—it is to transform diplomacy itself.
