The Generation Equality Regional Midpoint event, co-hosted by the United Nations Women Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia and the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan, served as a pivotal moment for ITU's dedication to advancing gender equality within the digital domain. Natalia Mochu, Regional Director for the CIS Region, represented ITU, emphasizing the organization's commitment to narrowing the digital gender gap.
Event Overview:
The event brought together around 100 high-level partners from 15 countries across Europe and Central Asia. Participants represented a diverse spectrum, including public officials, government representatives, individuals from the private sector, as well as representatives from youth and civil society organizations. This collaborative platform facilitated the sharing of insights and contributions towards the collective effort to accelerate women's economic empowerment through technology and innovation in the region.
Speakers at the Event:
Gülden Türköz-Cosslett, Regional Director a.i., UN Women Europe and Central Asia
Kanysh Tuleushin, First Vice Minister of the Ministry of Digital Development, Innovations, and Aerospace Industry of the Republic of Kazakhstan
Arbërie Nagavci, Minister of Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Kosovo
Valeriya Ionan, Deputy Minister for Euro Integration, Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine
H.E. Kestutis Jankauskas, Ambassador of the European Union to Kazakhstan
Natalia Mochu, Regional Director for the CIS Region, International Telecommunication Union
ITU Initiatives:
Natalia Mochu shed light on the organization's commitment to narrowing the digital gender gap. The focus was on key initiatives designed to foster inclusivity and diversity within the digital landscape.
ITU actively supports ICT education for girls and young women, emphasizing the creation of incentives to facilitate their entry into the ICT field. Moreover, we lead targeted programs, including CISCO Networking Academy and EQUALS for Girls, with the EQUALS Partnership providing free access to international digital skills training and certification. ITU supports mentorship and dedicated learning spaces for girls in cybersecurity, entrepreneurship, and IoT through the Girls Can Code initiative. And, ITU mobilizes resources for local and regional talent development, with over 600,000 girls that participated in events across 195 countries since 2011, contributing to overcoming barriers in the ICT sector.
The event, serving as a contribution for Generation Equality, provided ITU with a platform to reflect on progress, expand commitments, and advocate for a future where every woman and girl can thrive in the digital era. As the digital landscape evolves, ITU remains committed to gender equality and fostering an environment where the potential of every individual is recognized and nurtured.
