Policy paper

Joint Declaration on the Role of Women in Diplomacy and Establishing the Western Balkans Six Women Diplomats Network

Published 15 October 2025

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In the spirit of regional cooperation and within the framework of the Berlin Process and shared democratic values, the Foreign Ministries of the Western Balkans Six reaffirm their commitment to gender equality as a fundamental pillar of modern, effective and inclusive diplomacy.

Acknowledging the vital contributions of women to diplomacy, peacebuilding and international cooperation, and reaffirming our determination to ensure stronger representation and leadership of women across diplomatic services in the region, we establish the Western Balkans Six Women Diplomats Network—an informal regional platform aimed at enhancing cooperation, visibility, solidarity, and leadership among women diplomats and with room for cooperation also with women diplomats’ associations such as WEDIN EU (Women Diplomats Network in the EU).

In line with these goals, we declare our intent to implement following commitments:

  1. Advance the full, equal, and meaningful participation of women in diplomacy, with a focus on increasing leadership roles and high-level representation;
  2. Promote gender-responsive foreign policies, ensuring inclusivity and equity in the development and implementation of diplomatic strategies;
  3. Encourage regional initiatives for professional development of women diplomats
  4. Strengthen institutional capacities to identify and remove structural barriers to gender equality within diplomatic services;
  5. Facilitate the collection and exchange of data, research, and best practices, to foster mutual learning and ensure sustained progress across the region.
  6. Encourage dialogue and coordinated action on achieving gender equality in regional and multilateral fora, including within the framework of the Berlin Process and other relevant initiatives;
  7. Ensure the Network embraces inclusivity and intersectionality, recognizing the diverse experiences of women across generational, and social lines, while fostering mutual respect and peer learning.

The Network will operationalize these commitments by serving as a dynamic forum for dialogue, capacity building, and the promotion of inclusive diplomacy in the Western Balkans Six.

Through this Declaration, the participating Ministries of Foreign Affairs affirm their commitment to define the modalities of cooperation and to advance the work of the Women Diplomats Network from its inaugural meeting onward. The Network reflects a collective vision of foreign policy that is representative, resilient, and aligned with the region’s future in the European Union.

9 October 2025

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