Gender Equality

Against an international backdrop marked by growing conflicts, democratic backsliding and the rise of anti-rights movements, the 5th Ministerial Conference on Feminist Foreign Policies was held in Madrid on 2–3 June 2026, bringing together 700 participants, including representatives from 60 countries and more than 140 civil society organizations. At the end of the conference, 28 countries adopted a joint political declaration reaffirming the links between gender equality, democracy, peace and multilateralism. The declaration renews commitments to the rights of women and girls, their participation in peace processes, sexual and reproductive health and rights, and support for feminist organizations. It also pays particular attention to contemporary threats to gender equality, including anti-rights movements, gender-based disinformation, online violence and risks associated with artificial intelligence. Focus 2030 examines the main commitments made in Madrid, developments since the 2025 Paris conference and the priorities raised by civil society, including calls for increased funding for feminist movements, stronger monitoring and accountability mechanisms, and greater coherence between feminist foreign policy commitments and policies on international cooperation, trade, security, migration and climate.