The fourth meeting of national co-ordinating bodies established under the Istanbul Convention took place on 4 November 2026 at the Council of Europe in Strasbourg.

The meeting focused on the importance of primary prevention of all forms of violence against women and girls. The different panels offered an opportunity to exchange, as well as an opportunity to learn, as keynotes speeches addressed the theoretical frameworks that underpin primary prevention work and the findings GREVIO made over its decade of monitoring the implementation of the Istanbul Convention. Against this background, participants examined existing prevention policies and measures and discussed how to increase policy attention to the field of primary prevention.

All speakers emphasised the importance of long-term and well-resourced prevention programmes addressing the root causes for all forms of violence against women. Discussions also addressed the importance of national monitoring of the implementation of the Istanbul Convention, data collection and research to support evidence-based policymaking and build a knowledge base for primary prevention. Representatives from several Parties shared their experiences, including challenges and positive practices, in establishing that knowledge base. 

The meeting provided an opportunity to exchange approaches and discuss how co-ordinating bodies could support effective national action to prevent violence against women.

 Programme