Technology has become a defining factor in global geopolitical affairs, shaping foreign policy and diplomacy. Digital issues have become intertwined with discussions on everything from national security and defence, to content regulation or artificial intelligence. No matter what item on the global agenda we are looking at, technology is part of the challenge and the solution.

Like technology, gender and diversity are also integrated into Europe’s response to these global challenges and its contribution to a rules-based multilateral order. As the European Union pushes for greater women’s empowerment and gender equality through its 2020-2025 Gender Action Plan (GAPIII) including via its commitment to ensure 85% of all new actions throughout external relations will contribute to gender equality and women’s empowerment by 2025, Conversations Unscripted will take stock of Europe’s progress towards promoting gender equality in its external action. Including, how the Brussels Effect is also shaping the gender equality agenda globally.

This event will discuss how nations can further integrate gender perspectives into their external action – specifically within the nexus between technology and foreign policy, including how the EU and its Member States look at technology and what governments are doing to address systemic inequality in these fields.

Conversations Unscripted will also reflect on the importance of cooperation amongst likeminded stakeholders, including the opportunities in existing international and bilateral fora such as the Trade and Technology Council, NATO or within the UN Cyber diplomacy discussions and how can this play a role in driving the gender equality agenda forward.

The event will start with a panel discussion and be followed by three different workshops and a networking reception at the end.

The panel speakers:

Follow-up workshops topics:

More information can be found on the Conversations Unscripted website.

Questions can be directed to mscenter@microsoft.com

Join the conversation online with the hashtag #ConversationsUnscript