Berthe De Vos Neven, SI Representative to the UN in Geneva, and Tania Gómez Herazo, SI AI Advocacy Advisor, reflect on Soroptimist International’s side event at the 59th UN Human Rights Council session: “Encoding Values, Securing Rights: A Gender-Responsive Framework.” The blog explores the intersection of AI, cybersecurity, and gender equality, featuring insights from global experts and institutions. It calls for embedding a gender lens into digital governance to protect rights, prevent bias, and ensure inclusive technological progress—affirming that empowering women in tech is essential for a secure and just digital future.
Berthe De Vos Neven, SI Representative to the UN in Geneva, and Tania Gómez Herazo, SI AI Advocacy Advisor, reflect on the UN’s AI for Good Global Summit in Geneva, where global leaders gathered to shape a responsible future for artificial intelligence. The blog explores urgent themes of inclusion, ethical governance, and data integrity, emphasizing the need for gender-responsive, human-centered AI systems. With practical innovations and bold commitments, the summit underscored that the race isn’t against each other—but against time—to ensure AI serves all of humanity, leaving no one behind.
Donatella Benjamin and Stacy Ciulik, SI Representatives to the United Nations in Geneva, reflect on the Annual Full-Day Discussion on the Human Rights of Women held during the 59th Human Rights Council session. Marking the 25th anniversary of Security Council Resolution 1325, the blog highlights urgent calls to address gender-based violence in conflict and humanitarian settings. With compelling insights from global experts, including Clara Sandoval of the Global Survivors Fund, the authors emphasize the critical need for survivor-centered reparations and international accountability to break cycles of trauma and uphold justice for women and girls worldwide.
Dr. Olga Tzortzatou Nanopoulou, Soroptimist International Representative to the United Nations in Geneva, shares reflections from the 78th World Health Assembly, spotlighting urgent global health priorities: suicide prevention, nursing leadership, and women’s health. The blog calls for compassionate, community-driven systems that center lived experience, especially of youth and women. With insights on policy gaps, digital innovation, and the economic value of investing in care, Olga advocates for health systems rooted in empathy, equity, and inclusive leadership.
In this blog, Pat Dale MBE, SI Representative to the Commonwealth, shares reflections from a landmark meeting with Commonwealth Secretary-General Hon Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey. The blog highlights her bold vision for transformation, the value of partnerships, and the role of accredited organisations in shaping a more resilient, purpose-driven Commonwealth.
Berthe De Vos Neven shares insights from the 37th meeting of UN Treaty Body Chairpersons in Geneva. The blog outlines the impact of UN budget cuts, the growing risks to human rights defenders, and the urgent need for sustained global support.
Evelyne Para reports from a UNESCO conference on how to build digital capacity in the public sector. She discusses barriers to transformation, the importance of inclusive governance, and the role of NGOs in promoting ethical, accessible digital change.
Maria Fornella-Oehninger and Tania Gomez reflect on a UN event exploring how artificial intelligence can support inclusive development. Their blog highlights the opportunities, challenges, and importance of ethical, people-centred approaches to AI in the context of financing for development.
In this blog, Evelyne Para, SI Representative to UNESCO, explores the ongoing decline in gender equality and women’s participation in diplomacy. She highlights urgent statistics, systemic barriers, and bold measures needed to ensure women’s equal representation in global leadership.
