Wayne Campbell | Advancing inclusive leadership and global cooperation

Historically, women were largely excluded from formal diplomatic roles and international decision-making processes. However, the narrative has changed over time.

Women have broken barriers and expanded their presence across diplomatic services, international organisations, peace processes, and multilateral negotiations. Their contributions have strengthened efforts to promote peace, security, development, and human rights around the world. 

Interestingly, women were key contributors who played essential parts in shaping the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) that for the first time in human history spells out basic civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights that all human beings, men and women alike, should enjoy. 

Despite this progress, women remain underrepresented in many diplomatic and political leadership positions, highlighting the need for continued action to achieve equal participation and representation. The United Nations (UN) states that women remain underrepresented at senior levels. 

While global averages for female ambassadors and permanent representatives have seen steady growth to roughly 22.5 per cent, female representation even at the level of the United Nations is problematic. How many women have we had as secretary-generals?

The evolution of diplomacy has given rise to more women entering this field, ensuring women's full, equal, and meaningful participation at every level of decision-making.

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF WOMEN IN DIPLOMACY

Across diplomatic missions, multilateral institutions, and international negotiations, women continue to make invaluable contributions to dialogue, consensus-building, conflict resolution, and international cooperation. Their leadership helps bridge national priorities and global challenges, advancing solutions that promote human rights, security, and shared prosperity. 

The International Day of Women in Diplomacy, observed annually on June 24, serves as a powerful reminder that the pursuit of peace and progress depends on the inclusion of diverse voices and experiences. It is both a celebration of the achievements of women diplomats and a call to strengthen efforts to remove barriers, expand opportunities, and ensure that future generations of women can lead, influence, and shape the course of international affairs.

The overarching 2026 campaign theme is ‘Advancing Inclusive Leadership and Global Cooperation’, emphasising the vital role of women's voices in multilateral negotiations, peace building, and sustainable development. 

Importantly, as we observe International Day of Women in Diplomacy we should be reminded of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals #5 (Gender Equality) and #10 (Reduced Inequalities), which are the primary Sustainable Development Goals that speak to inclusive leadership. They directly address empowering marginalised groups and ensuring equal opportunities in decision-making. 

Target 5.5 under Gender Equality explicitly demands ensuring women's "full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic and public life"; while Target 10.2 under Reduced Inequalities calls for the "social, economic and political inclusion of all". Target 10.3 emphasises ensuring equal opportunities and eliminating discriminatory practices.

International Day of Women in Diplomacy recognises the achievements and contributions of women in diplomacy while encouraging governments, international organisations, academic institutions, civil society, and diplomatic communities to promote greater inclusion, remove structural barriers, and ensure that women have equal opportunities to shape the decisions that affect communities, nations, and the world.

In the words of UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, we must all do everything possible to ensure women are at the table, our voices heard and our contributions valued.

- Wayne Campbell is an educator and social commentator with an interest in development policies as they affect culture and/or gender issues. Email feedback to waykam@yahoo.com and columns@gleanerjm.com. ONLINE ONLY COMMENTARY.