The Council of Europe Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression and Sex Characteristics (SOGIESC) Unit is speaking today at the World Pride 2026 Human Rights Conference, taking place in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, from 5 to 7 August 2026.

This global event gathers international organisations, government representatives, academia, businesses and civil society representatives, to raise visibility and awareness of LGBTI issues worldwide. Under the theme of “Unity”, World Pride and the city of Amsterdam aim to show that tolerance, connectedness and love are key to fighting intolerance.

The panel discussion on “Political Leadership at the Global Level: mechanisms and programmes of international institutions to advance equal rights for LGBTQIA+ persons” sees the SOGIESC Head of Unit Yanna Parnin exchanging with other international organisations on the available instruments that help set a framework for inclusion and promote human rights.

She highlights the important role the Council of Europe plays through its standard setting, monitoring and technical assistance functions and recalls the essential collaboration with the European Union on a number of thematic files, including the synergies built between the European Commission's LGBTIQ+ Equality Strategy 2026-2030 and the upcoming Council of Europe Strategy for Equal Rights for LGBTI people (2027-2032) – to be adopted by the Committee of Ministers before the end of the year.

We look forward to making the most out of this global platform, forging new connections and strengthening collaborations with co-organisers and participants alike.