Minister Joly announces launch of Women Foreign Ministers’ Group
News release
February 18, 2025 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada
The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced the launch of the Women Foreign Ministers’ Group (WFMG).
The newly established group will act as a mechanism that will help protect and advance women’s full and meaningful participation in decision-making and leadership roles. It will be a powerful tool in amplifying the voices of women in global diplomacy and decision making at a time when the world is facing increasing polarization, conflict and intersecting crises.
By fostering a platform for collaboration, dialogue and joint action, the WFMG will leverage the unique perspectives and experiences of women in foreign policy leadership in support of more effective strategies for fostering peace, security, human rights and sustainable development.
The WFMG will support increased representation of women in international negotiations and decision-making bodies at all levels, as well as awareness and understanding of the importance of gender equality, protecting the rights of women and girls, and safe and inclusive spaces for women in politics and public life.
The WFMG will provide opportunities for women foreign ministers to collaborate to offer different perspectives on international issues within wider decision-making contexts such as the United Nations. Members of the Group will jointly initiate statements to voice common perspectives. Each calendar year, the WFMG will have two dedicated coordinators, rotating on a regional basis among members. They will meet in person at least once a year, or as determined by the coordinators.
Quotes
“Following the landmark Women Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Toronto on September 19 and 20, 2024 that I was pleased to co-host with my Jamaican counterpart, foreign minister Kamina Johnson Smith, and a follow-up discussion with members of the network on February 11, 2025, I am pleased to announce today the launch of the Women Foreign Ministers’ Group, which will be a powerful international platform for women foreign ministers to build bridges and collaborate on pressing international issues. I look forward to a close and strong collaboration with my peers and with civil society partners as we tackle major challenges, break down barriers and empower the next generation of women leaders.”
- Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs
Quick facts
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Women’s political representation globally has doubled in the last 25 years. However, only around 1 in 4 parliamentary seats are held by women today.
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2025 marks the 30th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women and the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, as well as 25 years since the unanimous adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325, on Women, Peace and Security (WPS).
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As of February 18, 2025, there are 30 women foreign ministers, and the establishment of the WFMG has already received support from a majority of them, with additional endorsements expected in the coming weeks.
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Since the adoption of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325, on WPS, 9 other resolutions have been adopted on WPS including resolution 1820 (2008) that recognizes sexual violence as a weapon and tactic of war.
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In March 2024, Canada launched Foundations for Peace: Canada’s National Action Plan on WPS, 2023 to 2029—its third national action plan on WPS.
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