The Network of Women Diplomats of the Western Balkans, a regional platform dedicated to strengthening the role of women in diplomacy and promoting gender equality in foreign policy, was officially launched in Sarajevo.
The meeting was held from February 2 to 3, 2026, organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina and GIZ, within the framework of the Regional Cooperation for Integration into the European Union project, implemented by GIZ on behalf of the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany. The two-day program included expert workshops and the exchange of experiences between representatives of the ministries of foreign affairs of the Western Balkans and international networks of women in diplomacy.
The meeting marks the first concrete step in the implementation of the Joint Declaration on the role of women in diplomacy, which was adopted by the leaders of the Western Balkans at the Ministerial meeting within the framework of the Berlin process on October 9, 2025.
Aida Hodžić, head of the Information Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, emphasized the importance of the Network for the region: “This network arose from the real need to be better connected and to be a professional support for each other in the demanding and responsible work of diplomacy. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina initiated the establishment of the Network within the framework of the Berlin process, with the aim of creating a space for the exchange of experiences, mutual support and stronger regional cooperation among women diplomats of the Western Balkans, as a contribution to the European integration of our of the region.”
The representative of the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, Renata Rat, referring to Germany’s continuous support for gender equality and regional cooperation, added: “For Germany, this Network is an important opportunity to, together with partners in the region, empower women in diplomacy and contribute to the strengthening of institutions. As the initiator of the Berlin Process, we are proud to support initiatives that strengthen the assumption of responsibility at the regional level.”
The event gained special significance thanks to the presence and active contribution of prominent international and domestic officials. Dame Karen Pierce, Special Envoy of the United Kingdom for the Western Balkans, led a panel discussion in which Edin Dilberović, Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Jasmina Pašalić, former ambassador and experienced career diplomat participated. While Aude Maio-Coliche, ambassador for equality at the European External Action Service (EEAS), shared experiences and insights from the Network of Women Diplomats in the EU to the participants.
The network of female diplomats of the Western Balkans represents a new regional platform that connects female diplomats from the entire region with the aim of strengthening cooperation, solidarity and professional exchange. Through joint activities, mentoring and connecting with international partner networks, the Network actively contributes to strengthening leadership capacities and creating better conditions for the career advancement of women in diplomatic services.
With this initiative, the countries of the Western Balkans confirm their commitment to gender equality as a key pillar of modern and inclusive diplomacy. This creates long-term conditions for strengthening the role of women in foreign policy decision-making and improving regional cooperation.
