The IPU, in cooperation with the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia, will be organizing the Global Conference for women parliamentarians (GCWP) under the theme: Advancing parity: Breaking the barriers of gender stereotypes and negative social norms from 2 to 4 June 2026, in Belgrade (Republic of Serbia).
The GWCP working sessions will be conducted on 2 and 3 June 2026. On 4 June 2026, a cultural programme will be organized by the Host Parliament.
This Conference will provide an exciting new platform for women members of parliament to come together, exchange experiences, learn from each other, and define common and innovative strategies to advance gender equality and women’s rights and empowerment.
The IPU Global Conference of Women Parliamentarians is a unique platform for women members of parliament to get together, exchange ideas, learn from each other, and define common and innovative strategies to advance gender equality and women’s rights and empowerment. It will include a variety of interactive panels and working group sessions and will address topical issues in a bid to provide genderresponsive policy orientation. Delegations are therefore encouraged to come prepared with examples of good practices to share with their colleagues.
Building on the Plan of Action on gender parity in parliament adopted at the 2025 IPU Global Conference of Women Parliamentarians held in Mexico and endorsed in October 2025 by the IPU Governing Council, the Conference will focus on stereotypes and social norms that hinder women’s political participation and leadership and challenge gender parity in parliament. Participants will be invited to identify stereotypes and negative social norms on women in politics, analyse how such norms shape attitudes, perceptions and systems that perpetuate women’s political exclusion, and explore how to address such stereotypes and social norms and transform them towards a culture of parity. We are pleased to invite you to send a delegation of up to four members of parliament, including one male MP and at least one young woman MP (under 40), to attend the Conference.
All IPU Member Parliaments are invited to send a delegation of four members of parliament, including one male MP and at least one young woman MP (under 40 years old) to attend the Conference. Bicameral parliaments can register up to eight MPs (both Chambers), including two male MPs (one from each chamber) and at least two young women MPs (under 40 years old, one from each chamber) to attend the Conference. Parliaments are invited to send a maximum of one parliamentary staff member.
The IPU Associate Members are invited to send a delegation of up to two representatives. Gender-balanced delegations are encouraged.
IPU permanent observers who work on women-related matters as well as a select number of international and regional women’s associations and organizations, and parliamentary assemblies and associations are invited to take part in the Conference. Permanent observers and selected organizations and associations should be represented by a maximum of two representatives. Gender-balanced delegations are encouraged.
Dtailed programme :
