The United Nations General Assembly has just passed a resolution declaring June 24 every year as International Women's Day in Diplomacy. Photo: UN

On June 20, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution adopting the 24th day of June every year as International Day of Women in Diplomacy.

The resolution states that all member states and organizations of the United Nations, international organizations, civil society, academic institutions, associations of female diplomats and other stakeholders should celebrate International Day of Women in Diplomacy every year to promote equal participation of women at all levels of diplomacy.

In his remark, Mr. Abdulla Shahid, President of the 76th session of the UN General Assembly reaffirmed that women have made critical contributions to shaping the multilateral system we have inherited today. For example, women diplomats played an essential role in drafting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the first treaty to articulate the fundamental human rights that should be universally protected.

However, UN General Assembly President Abdulla Shahid stressed that, despite the evident contributions of women to diplomacy and multilateral decision-making, they continue to be underrepresented in senior diplomatic positions. This resolution, therefore, opened the door to discuss the challenges of women in diplomacy face, to celebrate women in diplomacy, and to inspire the next generation.

The UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed also supported the adoption of International Day of Women in diplomacy.

"We must all do everything we can to ensure women's participation, letting their voices be heard and their contributions be appreciated," said Amina Mohammed.

Highlighting the great role women play in diplomacy, Amina Mohammed said that women's leadership approaches, expertise and priorities broaden the range of issues in discussion and improve the quality of the results.

She used various research projects as examples, showing that when women serve in cabinet and parliament, they pass better laws and policies, and improve the environment and social cohesion. It is important to adopt initiatives to increase women's participation in peace and political processes in order to realize equality for women who face serious discrimination.

When speaking with the Vietnam Times, Ambassador Nguyen Phuong Nga - President of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO) said she highly appreciated the adoption of the UN General Assembly's resolution, affirming the importance of recognizing and honoring women’s roles in diplomacy and their contribution to building and consolidating peace, promoting cooperation, development and friendship among peoples.

"As the key force in people-to-people diplomacy for many female officers, VUFO will hold practical activities to celebrate the International Day of Women in Diplomacy every year, will pay great interest and will continue to strengthen the role and capacity of women in people-to-people diplomacy, which is one of the three pillars of Vietnam’s comprehensive and modern diplomacy," said the president of VUFO.

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