Following two Representation Matters convenings during High-Level Week, WPL reflects on the conversations, voices and perspectives that shaped this year’s global gathering and what they reveal about representation and political leadership.

WPL’s Representation Matters convenings at the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly brought together a high-level group of political leaders and decision makers for conversations on the forces shaping the international agenda.

Among those joining the discussions were UN Secretary-General candidate María Fernanda Espinosa, European Commission Executive Vice-President Roxana Mînzatu, Under-Secretary-General Izumi Nakamitsu and UN Under-Secretary-General Amandeep Singh Gill, UN Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications Melissa Fleming, Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Doreen Bogdan-Martin, President of Kosovo (2021-2026) Vjosa Osmani-Sadriu, former President of Ethiopia (2018-2024) Sahle-Work Zewde, former President of Finland (2000–2012) Tarja Halonen, United Nations Under-Secretary-General of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia Rania A. Al-Mashat, Minister of Social Welfare of the Sierra Leone Melrose Karminty, and Minister of Health, Spain; Co-Chair of the Global Alliance for Women’s Health Dr. Mónica García Gómez alongside Presidents, ministers and political leaders from around the world.

The range of voices in the room, from national governments to international institutions, showed the continued need for spaces that bring decision makers together around a shared political agenda that takes different perspectives and experiences into consideration. 

For WPL, the success of these convenings lies in keeping that conversation moving. At a time when political decisions reach across borders and affect people in very different ways, bringing leaders together remains an important part of building a political agenda that reflects the realities of those it serves.