This side-event aimed at fostering a broad debate on issues related to the role of gender equality policies and strategies in creating more women-friendly academic careers and research working environments.

It presented tools and methods developed and applied in education systems worldwide, to promote science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education and attract young people, especially girls, to these research fields and careers.

The side-event presented the opportunities and challenges of integrating gender equality-related considerations in emerging policy and programming on climate change mitigation and adaptation. The event highlighted the opportunities for leadership and inclusion of women in climate change and environment-related decision-making processes.

It also considered the role of men, as important actors in decision-making in challenging the existing gender-based stereotypes and in affirming their support for women’s contributions to science, innovation and policy solutions.

The event aimed to further support changes of perspective and to strongly affirm the need for a gender balance in science, research and innovation.

The event was addressed to politicians, public servants, ambassadors, diplomats, academia, civil society, youth, journalists.

This event took place within the framework of Italy’s current Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe.

Side-Event co-organised by the Council of Europe and Italy, and co-sponsored by Austria, the United Kingdom and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.