Women's International Forum

09/01/2020

It is 1 September and time to get back into our new season! We are looking forward to our first event of the season on the 16th of September, Wednesday at 2pm. It will be an interactive dialogue with Ambassador Frank Wisner, International Affairs Advisor, Squire Patton Boggs on "Peace in the Middle East: Are We Getting Any Closer?"

Ambassador Wisner’s diplomatic career spans four decades and eight American presidents. He served as ambassador to Zambia, Egypt, the Philippines, and India during his extensive career in the State Department.
As Foreign Affairs Advisor, Ambassador Wisner plays a pivotal role at the firm, leveraging his vast experience in the Middle East, India, Europe and Asia to assist the firm’s domestic and international clients.
In addition to his role as ambassador to four countries, he has served as Under Secretary of Defense for Policy and as Under Secretary of State for International Security Affairs. Ambassador Wisner was senior Deputy Assistant Secretary for African Affairs from 1982 to 1986, a time of intense diplomatic engagement in Southern Africa.

This is a members-only event.

06/11/2020

“Ethics for a post-COVID World: What Must we Change or do Better? This was the topic of WIF’s last Forum of this season with Professor Robert Klitzman, Professor of Psychiatry and Director of the Masters of Bioethics Program at Columbia University. As the countries around the world over are reopening their borders, governments and civil society are grappling with a number of difficult ethical issues with regards to reopening, vaccines, clinical trials, priority setting, health care workers rights and obligations etc WIF members were privileged to have an interesting discussion on these important issues today. Let’s hope that the world will make better ethical choices in a post-COVID world.

05/20/2020

The Women’s International Forum held our May Event: A panel discussion on “Leadership in a crisis: the United Nations response to the COVID-19 Pandemic” with Her Excellency Ambassador Martha Pobee of Ghana and Her Excellency Ambassador Mona Juul of Norway. We are grateful for the opportunity to hear directly from the two very active and dynamic women Ambassadors the concrete steps the United Nations is taking to mitigate the adverse effect of the crisis on women. We hope that with a constructive response we can prevent or slowdown the rollback of the gains on the Beijing Platform of Action. It was gratifying to virtually connect with our members during this difficult times. Look out for next event on June 11.

02/27/2020

Yesterday, February 26th 2020, the Women's International Forum organised a Panel on Transitional Justice and screening of the Spanish 2019 Goya Award-Winning Documentary Film "The Silence of the Others".

Filmed over six years, The Silence of Others reveals the epic struggle of victims of Spain’s 40-year dictatorship under General Franco, as they organize a groundbreaking international lawsuit and fight a “pact of forgetting” around the crimes they suffered. The Silence of Others speaks powerfully to global questions of transitional justice. The screening was followed by a panel discussion which included the directors of the film, Almudena Carracedo and Robert Bahar; UN Special Rapporteur Fabian Salvioli, Lawyer for the plaintives Jacinto Lara and film protagonist Paqui Maqueda.
The event was co-sponsored by the Permanent Missions of Austria, Belgium and Spain with support from the Austrian Cultural Centre and American Documentary/ POV

02/26/2020

'The Silence of Others' - Film Screening and Panel on Transitional Justice

We're live with "Silence of Others" on:

http://webtv.un.org/live-now/watch/the-silence-of-others-film-screening-and-panel-on-transitional-justice/5701485575001

Screening of the Award-Winning Documentary Film 'The Silence of Others: Reflecting on Transitional Justice' followed by a panel discussion.

02/21/2020

Looking forward to next week! Signup closes soon.

On Wednesday, February 26th 2020, at 3 pm, the Women's International Forum will screen the Spanish 2019 Goya Award-Winning Documentary Film "The Silence of the Others".

Filmed over six years, The Silence of Others reveals the epic struggle of victims of Spain’s 40-year dictatorship under General Franco, as they organize a groundbreaking international lawsuit and fight a “pact of forgetting” around the crimes they suffered. The Silence of Others speaks powerfully to global questions of transitional justice.

When: On Wednesday, February 26th 2020, at 3 pm
Where: UN Headquarters, The Trusteeship Council
Tickets: Seating is limited, please RSVP by February 24th at 9m on the following link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScKTSkbxh7uDWQYxuy4ylnXdS9-ore3LeFTWH7rlNIPL-G5YQ/viewform

With the Co - Sponsorship of:
- The Permanent Mission of Spain to the United Nations
- The Permanent Mission of Belgium to the United Nations (President of the Security Council)
- The Permanent Mission of Austria to the United Nations

02/10/2020

Women’s International Forum is proud to announce our next event:

Screening of the Multiple Award-Winning Documentary « THE SILENCE OF OTHERS »

With the participation of the film directors Almudena Carracedo and Robert Bahar, and the film protagonists;

Followed by a Panel on Transitional Justice with UN Special Rapporteur Fabian Salvioli.

To be held on 26 February 2020 at the UN Trusteeship Council, from 3-6 pm, it is co- sponsored by the Permanent Mission Spain to the UN, the Permanent Mission of Belgium to the UN and the Permanent Mission of Austria to the UN, with the support of American Documentary -Pov.

02/07/2020

Thank you for coming today to a full
House for our February Talk, an interactive dialogue with the UK Permanent Representative to the UN, Her Excellency Dame Karen Pierce. We are delighted she made time for us on the day that it was announced that she has been appointed as the first British female Ambassador to Washington. Congratulations! In a wide ranging and candid discussion, she shared her experiences on the field from her various postings, tips on how to succeed in a man’s world, her views on gender equality and diversity, Brexit and her next posting.

02/04/2020

We are looking forward to our February Talk on Friday 7 February, Women in Diplomacy by Ambassador Karen Pierce of the United Kingdom:
This is a members-only event.

01/30/2020

Women’s International Forum thanked its President Latica Tomasic Kickert for her leadership of WIF since April 2018 and wishes her all the very best in her future endeavors. We congratulate Zarina Varukatty as she takes over the Presidency.

01/30/2020

WIF January Talk, “Online safety of children in a Digital World” by Dr Joanna Rubinstein offered a very timely and relevant reminder of the need to regulate the digital world our children live in. Dr Rubinstein, who was instrumental in developing “The Economist Intelligence Unit’s Out of the Shadows” index shared with the audience the data driven analysis of 60 countries’ response to child sexual violence, including in the digital world. Still a lot of work remains to be done by legislators, industry experts and private sector stakeholders in regulating the digital world our children live in. WIF would like to thank the Permanent Mission of Austria to the United Nations for hosting our January event.

01/17/2020

We are oversubscribed for our January Forum! Sorry if you are on the waitlist! Please block your calendar for our February Event on Thursday 6th February. Details coming soon to your inbox! Please rsvp as soon as you receive the invitation.

Women’s International Forum, sponsored by the Permanent Mission of Austria to the United Nations is pleased to present our January Event on 30th January 2020:

Online Safety in the Digital World: Is there an Adult in the Room?

A conversation with Dr. Joanna Rubinstein, President, and CEO of the World Childhood Foundation, USA

01/08/2020

Women’s International Forum, sponsored by the Permanent Mission of Austria to the United Nations is pleased to present our January Event on 30th January 2020:

Online Safety in the Digital World: Is there an Adult in the Room?

A conversation with Dr. Joanna Rubinstein, President, and CEO of the World Childhood Foundation, USA

01/03/2020

The Women’s International Forum wishes all its members a very Happy 2020!
Please save the date of 15 January for our first talk of 2020.
Details will be sent by email to all members.

10/24/2019

UN Against Sexual Violence in Conflict

Official Line-Up of Speakers for the 10-year Anniversary Event:

✔️ Nations Unies Deputy Secretary-General Ms. Amina J Mohammed

✔️Special Representative of the Secretary-General on #SVC Ms. Pramila Patten

✔️2018 Nobel Peace Prize Laureates Ms. Nadia Murad and Dr. Denis Mukwege

✔️ Cour pénale internationale - CPI Prosecutor, Ms. Fatou Bensouda

✔️Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa Dr. Naledi Pandor

✔️Prime Minister of the #UK’s Special Representative @end_svc Minister of State for the Commonwealth and the United Nations Lord Tariq Ahmad of Wimbledon

✔️Former Special Representatives of the Secretary-General on #SVC Ms. Margot Wallström & Ms. Haja Zainab Hawa Bangura

✔️State Secretary of Norway, Ms. Tone Skogen

UN Resident Correspondent for CBS News,
Dr. Pamela Falk as Master of Ceremony.

👉To RSVP: https://bit.ly/2Iy9MGz

10/23/2019

Professeur Peter Piot Guest Speaker for WIF on October 23, 2019

Professeur Peter Piot Guest Speaker for WIF on October 23, 2019

10/23/2019

We were very honored to receive an exceptional speaker, Professor Peter Piot. He talked about epidemics, the response of the politic, economic, pharmaceutical and medical world as well as the impact of climate change and individual responses on major outbreaks. A lot of questions from different participants, Kipp school kids among them. We thank the Singapore mission for its welcome today.

10/23/2019

WIF had a great turn out for our October Talk by Professor Peter Piot, who engaged us with the fascinating and critical topic of preparing for the next Pandemic. Bringing humour and personal anecdotes from lessons drawn from his long and illustrious career as part of the team that discovered Ebola, leading efforts to contain the spread of the virus, head of UNAIDS and currently professor in infectious disease at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

10/19/2019

UN Committee says Ebola in DR Congo still an international public health emergency

UN Committee says Ebola in DR Congo still an international public health emergency

The Ebola outbreak in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) officially remains a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, experts meeting in Geneva said on Friday.

09/12/2019

Women International Forum’s season opener “Women in Sport: A conversation with Vanessa O'Brien took place today at the United Nations HQ. Vanessa shared her fascinating story of courage, tenacity and leadership and left the audience with a tool kit for success. We were also reminded that mountaineers and explorers he a responsibility towards the planet to become activist for The Climate Agenda.

08/13/2019

Women's International Forum

08/12/2019

Thanks to the Permanent Mission of Singapore, we had an interesting brain storming lunch with our Honorary Board.

07/02/2019

WOMEN’S INTERNATIONAL FORUM | General Assembly of the United Nations

For the members who missed the event, here is a link to the speech by Her Excellency María Fernanda Espinosa Garcés
President of the UN General Assembly at our “WIF end of season event”

https://www.un.org/pga/73/2019/06/13/womens-international-forum/

WOMEN’S INTERNATIONAL FORUM 13 Jun 2019 – As delivered – Statement by H.E. Mrs. María Fernanda Espinosa Garcés, President of the 73rd Session of the UN General Assembly 13 June 2019 Ms Latica Tomasic Kickert, President of the Women’s International Forum, Your Excellency, Burhan Gafoor, Per...

06/13/2019

The Women's International Forum's June Talk "Women In Leadership: How to build Cohesive and Inclusive Societies" by Her Excellency Maria Fernanda Espinosa Garces, 73rd President of the United Nations General Assembly (PGA) and end of season reception was graciously hosted by the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Singapore to the United Nations. In the interactive dialogue, the PGA shared the lessons she has learned from her many years of service and accomplishments in positions of leadership in various roles both in Ecuador as well as internationally. In showcasing brilliant and exemplary women leaders, WIF hopes to inspire other women and girls to be in the forefront of change.

05/21/2019

Women's International Forum

Interesting and thoughtful discussion today at the WIF panel on Mining and Gender Equality:Promoting Women’s Inclusion for Sustainable Development”, sponsored by the Permanent Mission Of Peru to the United Nations. Our panelist shared their experiences and strategies used to giving women more access to the wealth and economic opportunities in the sector as well as strategies to ensure sustainability in mining.

05/21/2019

Interesting and thoughtful discussion today at the WIF panel on Mining and Gender Equality:Promoting Women’s Inclusion for Sustainable Development”, sponsored by the Permanent Mission Of Peru to the United Nations. Our panelist shared their experiences and strategies used to giving women more access to the wealth and economic opportunities in the sector as well as strategies to ensure sustainability in mining.

05/20/2019

We are looking forward to our May Panel discussion on Women in the Mining Industry, tommorrow Tuesday 21 May at 1.15-2.30 at the UN!

Mining has been practiced since the beginning of civilization and still remains a very important industry in several countries, contributing to their wealth and economic growth. However, the Mining industry and its activities not only have an effect on the environment but also on the lives of the people who work in this industry. In particular, women. Our panelists will address strategies and best practices in the Mining Industry to be more inclusive of women’s participation with an eye to a better distribution of its benefits to women.

We hope to see many of our members tomorrow.

04/25/2019

Women’s International Forum
sponsored by the Permanent Mission of Peru to the United Nations
is pleased to organise a panel on
“Mining and Gender Equality: Promoting Women’s Inclusion for Sustainable Development”
on Tuesday, May 21, 2019 at 1.15 - 2.30 pm.

The panel will be comprised of outstanding representatives from government, mining companies and mining international specialists to discuss lessons learned, best practices and challenges on implementing and supporting gender strategies and programs in the mining sector. This event provides a unique opportunity to turn the light on a subject that is not often discussed at the United Nations but that is crucial “in leaving no women behind”.

Our panelists
:
• H.E Ambassador Martha Pobee, Permanent Representative of Ghana to the United Nations
• Alexandra Guaqueta, Global Practice Leader, External Affairs and Communities, Rio Tinto
• Tracy Bame, President Freeport McMoran Copper & Gold Foundation and Social Responsibility Director
• Casper Sonesson, Global Policy Advisor, Extractive Industries, UNDP
• Natasha Nunes da Cunha, Senior Specialist- Extractives, Inter-American Development Bank

04/15/2019

Rep. Donna Bullock

Rep. Donna Bullock rocking our April panel:

Climate change is not just about polar bears and butterflies in other parts of the world. It is real and it has very real effects on nearly every aspect of our lives in Philadelphia and across Pennsylvania. Watch my comments at a United Nations panel about my experiences becoming an advocate for climate change solutions and how we can get future generations involved.

Thank you Women's International Forum, Moms Clean Air Force - PA, DearTomorrow and ClimateMama for the invitation.

04/12/2019

We had another successfull panel to mark the Earth Day ”Leave it Better Than We Found”
A panel on the role of women, parents and youth in developing effective climate solutions for the coming generations.
Organized by Women's International Forum with the sponsorship of the Permanent Mission of Austria to the UN. in partnership with Dear Tomorrow.

04/11/2019

Leave it Better Than We Found (to mark UN Earth Day 2019)

http://webtv.un.org/watch/leave-it-better-than-we-found-to-mark-un-earth-day-2019/6025274657001/

A panel on the role of women, parents and youth in developing effective climate solutions for the coming generations. Marking UN Earth Day 2019. Organized by Women's International Forum with the sponsorship of the Permanent Mission of

03/30/2019

Leave It Better Than We Found: Women's International Forum April 11th Panel on the Role of Women, Parents and Youth in Developing Effective Climate Solutions for the Coming Generations

Join us for the next Panel on April 11th, marking UN Earth Day 2019:

“Leave It Better Than We Found”

A panel on the role of women, parents and youth in developing effective climate solutions for the coming generations

With the sponsorship of the Permanent Mission of Austria 🇦🇹 to the UN and in partnership with Dear Tomorrow

April 11th 2019 at 1.15pm to 2.30pm

UN Headquarters NYC, Conference Room 6

Registration at https://forms.gle/Roq12mxYDCcqxP4YA remains open until April 9th at 9am.

Opening remarks to be delivered by H.E. Juliane Bogner Strauß - Minister of Women, Families and Youth of the Republic of Austria.

Panelists: H.E. Ngedikes Olai Uludong, PR Palau; Rep. Donna Bullock; Vanessa Hauc; Gina McCarthy; Jill Kubit: Gretchen Dahlkemper.

April11th 2019 at 1.15pm to 2.30pm UN Headquarters NYC, Conference Room 6