Capacity-Building Programme on Gender Equality

OVERVIEW 

Gender equality is not only a core goal of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development—it is a powerful enabler of progress across all 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). From poverty reduction and climate action to peace, justice, and strong institutions, gender-responsive approaches are essential to unlocking synergies and ensuring inclusive, sustainable development. Despite growing recognition, significant challenges remain. Gaps in women’s participation in governance, unequal access to resources, weak legal protections, and the rollback of women’s rights continue to undermine progress.

Building on the momentum and strong interest generated by the 2025 Capacity-Building Programme on Women, Peace and Security in Riga, Latvia, ASEF Governance is launching a follow-up initiative to further strengthen its commitment to gender equality across the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) membership.

This three-day Capacity-Building Programme on Gender Equality is designed to enhance awareness, understanding, and practical skills among ASEM diplomats, policymakers and civil society representatives.  The training supports participants in integrating a gender perspective into their daily work in diplomacy and governance—laying the foundation for long-term institutional change and more effective, inclusive partnerships.

OBJECTIVES

→ Accelerate progress on SDG 5 and related goals by strengthening women’s participation and leadership.

→ Highlight gender equality as a cross-cutting enabler of the entire 2030 Agenda.

→ Promote integrated and inclusive approaches to sustainable development within ASEM and beyond.

Through this practical workshop, peer exchange, and expert insights, this programme reinforces ASEM members’ shared commitment to gender equality and women’s meaningful participation in political, economic, and social life—recognised as key to sustainable and inclusive growth across all three ASEM pillars.

The Capacity-Building Programme on Gender Equality is supported by the European Union and the People’s Republic of China.

PAST TRAININGS

Capacity-Building Programme on Women, Peace and Security (Latvia, 2025)

The next edition of the Capacity-Building Programme on Gender Equality will be launched in 2026.