Regional Policy Dialogue on Good Governance and Women’s Leadership in Southeast Europe

The Regional Policy Dialogue on Good Governance and Women’s Leadership in Southeast Europe successfully gathered over 70 high-level participants from across the region and the EU in Sarajevo today. The event was organized by the Regional Anti-Corruption Initiative (RAI) in partnership with the European Women’s Lobby (EWL) and Women on Boards Adria (WOBA) and co-funded by the Central European Initiative (CEI), the America for Bulgaria Foundation, and the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC).

This high-level forum provided a platform for meaningful discussions on the intersection of gender equality, good governance, and institutional resilience. Distinguished leaders, policymakers, and experts exchanged insights on how to advance gender-responsive governance and strengthen institutional integrity across Southeast Europe.

Ms. Desislava Gotskova, in her opening address, emphasized that this event is about changing the narrative — together. “It is not just a conference but a dialogue, intentionally designed to foster collective strategy rather than isolated statements and to build sustained momentum for systemic change rather than merely showcasing success stories.”

Mr. Amer Kapetanović, Secretary General of RCC, underlined that empowering women is not just about fairness – it’s a strategic investment that benefits entire societies. “It drives economic growth, strengthens governance, and builds more resilient communities. Through regional cooperation, we can create more opportunities for women to lead, innovate, and shape a more inclusive and sustainable future for our region.”

In his welcoming message, Mr. Franco Dal Mas, Secretary General of CEI highlighted that regional sustainable development requires gender equality through women empowerment and meaningful participation at all levels of society and the policy-making process.

Marija Pejčinović Burić, former Secretary General of the Council of Europe and former Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Croatia, set the tone of the event by emphasizing the critical role of women in shaping democratic and transparent institutions.

The engaging and interactive discussions that followed focused on the commitments needed for sustained progress in gender-responsive governance, policy reforms, and strategies for increasing the representation of women in leadership positions.

Beyond formal discussions, the event fostered meaningful networking opportunities. The social gathering following the sessions provided an informal setting for participants to continue the dialogue, experience local hospitality, and build new partnerships.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Elmedin Konaković, welcomed the participants to the social networking event, emphasizing the importance of fostering strong regional connections and partnerships in an informal setting.

This dialogue reaffirmed that gender-responsive governance is not just a policy goal but a fundamental principle for achieving sustainable development and institutional resilience in the region. The discussions and commitments made here will serve as a foundation for continued collaboration and concrete action toward inclusive leadership and good governance.