Women’s empowerment and gender equality are discussed at the Council of Europe

(LR) Yuriko Backes, Minister for Gender Equality and Diversity of Luxembourg; Alain Berset, Secretary General of the Council of Europe; Photo: Council of Europe.

On Wednesday 20 and Thursday 21 November 2024, the Minister of Gender Equality and Diversity of Luxembourg, Yuriko Backes, visited the Council of Europe (CoE) in Strasbourg.

This working visit formed part of Luxembourg’s Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, which began on 13 November 2024 and will end on 14 May 2025.

According to the Ministry of Gender Equality and Diversity, Minister Backes addressed the Gender Equality Committee to discuss women’s empowerment and gender equality in the face of global and geopolitical challenges. The minister emphasized that “it is a powerful affirmation of a simple truth: there can be no peace without full respect for women’s rights. But, unfortunately, now is not the time to celebrate. We are witnessing a global response to the rights of women and girls. To counter these dangerous trends, we must remain vigilant and, moreover, we must resist pressure through democratic means and the values ​​of tolerance, respect for diversity and inclusion.“

The program also included a seminar “Looking Confidently into the Future, Building on a Quarter-Century of Experience,” at which Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg delivered a keynote speech.

Minister Backes also delivered a speech at a seminar organized in honor of the 25th anniversary of the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights. During her speech, the minister stated that this “great honor” to open this event by adding: “It is truly a wonderful coincidence that this moment, which can be called historic, comes at the very beginning of Luxembourg’s Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, a Presidency that has also established respect for and promotion of human dignity. rights are at the forefront of its priorities for the next six months. This national commitment is motivated by the belief that human rights remain relevant today.“

In addition, the Minister held bilateral talks with Secretary General Alain Berset and Commissioner for Human Rights Michael O’Flaherty. Discussions focused on the priorities of Luxembourg’s Chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers and the human rights situation in Europe and beyond. The Minister accompanied the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess of Luxembourg to a meeting with the President of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities, Marc Cools.

Minister Backes, accompanied by the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess, also visited the European Youth Centre, an international center for training, meetings and education. It hosts events on education and youth work, democracy, human rights and other topics related to building a civil society.

On the evening of Wednesday 20 November, the Grand Duke, the Grand Duchess and Minister Backes attended the inaugural concert of the Presidency of Luxembourg.