Suzanne B. Goldberg, Senior Advisor and Legal Expert at the U.S. Department of State, addressed an audience in Paraguay on June 25, 2024, emphasizing the importance of gender equality in multilateral decision-making spaces. She highlighted the role of women in diplomacy and outlined U.S. efforts to promote gender diversity.
Goldberg noted her personal experiences working with women diplomats such as Uzra Zeya and Jessica Stern. She stated that the Biden-Harris Administration prioritizes increasing gender diversity in leadership roles, aligning with the U.S. National Strategy on Gender Equity and Equality.
The United States has supported women leaders in international organizations, including Doreen Bogdan-Martin at the International Telecommunications Union and Amy Pope at the International Labor Organization. Professor Sarah Cleveland was also elected to the International Court of Justice.
Goldberg discussed a proposed General Assembly resolution focused on gender parity within the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights and the Inter-American Court of Human Rights. The resolution is supported by Canada, Chile, and Mexico.
She emphasized civil society's role in promoting women's leadership and highlighted collaboration with CEJIL and GQUAL. The resolution encourages member states to improve nomination procedures and engage with civil society to address intersectional discrimination.
Goldberg also mentioned a new initiative, the Global Youth Democracy Network, aimed at fostering intergenerational ties among future leaders to support democracy and human rights.
In conclusion, Goldberg called for continued efforts to challenge barriers to women's participation in leadership roles across diverse sectors.