Report written by Evelyne Para, Soroptimist International Representtative at UNESCO, Paris.
At the very beginning of 2025, the three Representatives of Soroptimist International (SI) at UNESCO—Evelyne Para, Rina Dupriet, and Marie-Christine Gries—joined by Joseph Mason, SI’s Advocacy and Communications Coordinator, reported on the work of the International Conference of NGOs (ICNGO), in which they had participated in person at the end of December 2024.
This important meeting is held every two years at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris. It provides an opportunity to collaborate, exchange ideas, and strengthen partnerships in the fields of Education, Science, Culture, and Communication—the missions entrusted to UNESCO by the United Nations—in order to build a more just and peaceful world. The theme of the December 2024 Conference was “Strengthening Capacities for Action”. Emphasis was placed on developing advocacy, creating strategic alliances, and showcasing success stories to advance the Sustainable Development Goals over the next two years.
On this occasion, Evelyne Para offered in-depth analyses on gender equality and initiatives in education for sustainable development, highlighting UNESCO’s efforts and those of NGOs to promote equitable education, support women in science, and bridge the digital divide, empowering women and girls and ensuring their central role in preserving ecosystems and promoting sustainable development.
Marie-Christine Gries explored advances in the humanities and social sciences, including initiatives to combat racism and address the enduring consequences of slavery. Rina Dupriet focused on the ambitious Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, presenting strategies to ensure the health and sustainability of the oceans through scientific innovation and inclusive partnerships. Finally, Joseph Mason offered a unique perspective as a youth representative, detailing his experience with UNESCO collaborations and the essential role played by SI representatives at the UN.
Throughout 2025 at UNESCO, other areas of action and numerous meetings also engaged the three Representatives. A selection of these activities, all of which were featured in blog posts published on the SI website, are outlined below.
International Day of Education – 24 January 2025
The International Day of Education was dedicated to the theme “AI and education: preserving human agency in an automated world”.
Several working meetings provided an opportunity to reflect on the impact of emerging technologies. Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) raise questions about the future of education, as well as transformations in the world of work and the need for continuing education, skills development, and career transitions.
What skills should education systems promote? How can they develop and assess analytical and critical thinking skills, as well as emotional intelligence? What will be the role of teachers? These were among the questions debated by Soroptimist International Representatives at UNESCO within working groups, where several guides for teachers and students were presented.
Alongside other NGOs, the SI Representatives learned about innovative solutions, strategies developed by several Member States, and the principles contained in the Global Recommendation on the Ethics of AI, which aims to ensure the safe and beneficial use of artificial intelligence.
“Beijing +30: Women’s Rights in Danger” Symposium – March 2025
This symposium was organised in the lead-up to International Women’s Day in March 2025.
The Beijing Conference, held in 1995 under the auspices of the United Nations, resulted in a political declaration accompanied by a programme of action adopted by 189 countries—a veritable roadmap for achieving strategic objectives related to the status of women and girls. The assessment was comprehensive, and the roadmap well defined.
But what has been accomplished since 1995? Thirty years on, the main areas of concern remain the same: poverty, women’s literacy and empowerment, girls’ right to education, women’s health—particularly reproductive health and autonomy—gender-based violence, women in armed conflict, women’s economic roles, participation in decision-making and political leadership, institutional mechanisms, human rights, the media, the environment, and gender equality across all areas. Overall, the results of the programme are not encouraging.
Moreover, in many countries today, women’s rights are regressing. More than 170 conflicts are currently ravaging countries around the world, half of them in Africa. Massacres and refugee exoduses are widespread, with women and children suffering the worst forms of violence, in blatant disregard of international rules on war crimes.
Ministerial Dialogue on Science Diplomacy – 25–26 March 2025
On 25 and 26 March 2025, a ministerial dialogue on science diplomacy was held at UNESCO in Paris—a first of its kind.
Bringing together around one thousand participants, including 60 national leaders from across the world, this event enabled leading international experts to explore the role of science diplomacy in addressing 21st-century challenges. Discussions focused on themes such as open science and research security, resource and commons sharing, and emerging technologies.
In a context of heightened geopolitical tensions, science remains one of the few areas where international collaboration continues. Climate change, resource depletion, and pandemics remind us that global challenges know no borders. Solutions must transcend national boundaries. It is therefore essential to prioritise research and innovation for sustainable development and to bridge the gap between science and society through robust, evidence-based public policies connecting scientists, policymakers, and citizens.
Science diplomacy seeks to make science a true global public good, inspiring informed policy decisions, sustainable practices, and equitable progress for all. Under the auspices of UNESCO, and with the support of NGOs, its objective is to restore confidence in science, encourage critical and nuanced thinking, and strengthen international scientific cooperation.
International Day of Women in Diplomacy – 24 June 2025
On 24 June 2025, UNESCO celebrated the International Day of Women in Diplomacy.
Progress on gender equality has transformed the lives of women and girls worldwide, but this progress is now faltering. Reports from more than 150 governments confirm that, by 2025, women’s rights are declining in nearly one in four countries. Gender-based violence is increasing, the digital gender divide is widening, and more than 600 million women and girls are living in conflict zones. These trends threaten to erase hard-won gains made over the past 30 years.
On this occasion, the ONU International Secretariat and other NGOs represented at UNESCO exchanged views on proposed measures, including the implementation of quotas to open doors for women in politics; the appointment of women to leadership positions; the promotion of women engaged in global diplomacy; the deployment of mentorship programmes; measures to combat social norms and stigmatisation that hold women back; and strengthened action against harassment and violence, both online and offline.
Through programmes implemented in schools and universities worldwide, national parliaments must become essential partners of NGOs and civil society in strengthening girls’ education, empowerment, and women’s diplomatic engagement. The goal is to foster a global environment in which women and girls can thrive, and where international diplomacy is no longer the preserve of a few but is increasingly shaped by a diversity of voices advocating for peace, justice, and equality for all.
International Conference on the Financing of Education – July 2025
In July 2025, UNESCO organised an International Conference on the financing of education.
“There is an urgent need to invest more in education, science, and culture,” was the message championed by UNESCO at the International Conference on Financing for Development, held in Seville, Spain, in early July 2025.
Faced with a sharp decline in international aid for education and unequal funding for science and culture—aid is projected to fall by more than 25 per cent by 2027—UNESCO is sounding the alarm and calling on donors to renew their commitment to these key development sectors.
Based on in-depth analysis and contributions from numerous participants at the Seville Conference, several key strategic recommendations were formulated. UNESCO also welcomed the Joint Declaration, in which Member States recognise the importance of funding education and culture as drivers of development and call for strengthened scientific cooperation to address global challenges.
