Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Mariya Gabriel: Diplomacy needs the talent of women
19 October 2023 News
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Maria Gabriel hosted a meeting with women ambassadors to Bulgaria from countries around the world. A discussion in this format is organised for the first time by a Bulgarian Foreign Minister.
"Today's meeting sends a strong message that there is a need for more women in foreign policy to give confidence to other young girls to build a career in diplomacy. Today, many young girls and women need more confidence in themselves to follow their dreams. We want to highlight the talents and strengths of young women because they are changing the world around us for the better," the Deputy Prime Minister said and emphasised three key aspects.
According to Maria Gabriel, first of all it is important to have more women in politics and women in leadership positions in international organisations like the UN. "This topic was also the focus of my meetings with colleagues from the Women Leaders Platform and UN Women, which I held in the framework of the 78th session of the UN General Assembly. More women should also be involved in negotiation and peace-building processes."
Secondly, the Deputy Prime Minister highlighted the support for girls and women in innovation and new technologies and the opportunities that the digital age brings. Important European initiatives such as "Women are Innovators", "WomenTech EU" and "Girls in the Circular Economy" have been created at the initiative of Maria Gabriel during her time as Commissioner. "The green transition is a global challenge that needs a new energy and climate diplomacy. It is also an opportunity for more girls to be leaders in the fight against climate change," the Deputy Prime Minister further commented
"It is important that we inspire more girls and women to choose the path of foreign policy and diplomacy through personal experience and example. That is why with the women ambassadors we will present a new initiative "Ambassador for a Day", announced Maria Gabriel. The aim of the initiative is for young girls from all over Bulgaria to learn more about working in diplomacy.