Athens, Greece | 19-21 March 2024
2024 is a crucial year for democracy; high-profile elections worldwide will shape global leadership. It is now the time to work on shaping a future where democratic values resonate globally. It is now the time to prove that Representation Matters.
Politicians from around the globe convened in Athens, the birthplace of democracy, to attend the WPL Summit 2024 in March, co-hosted by the Government of Greece and under the esteemed patronage of President Katerina Sakellaropoulou.
The #WPLSummit2024 served as a critical platform for women politicians to address pressing challenges and seize opportunities facing democracies in the 21st century. More than 200 women leaders, representing 60 countries, convened in the prestigious halls of the Hellenic Parliament and the Acropolis Museum to strategize on addressing global issues while exploring broader systemic changes and individual actions needed to remove barriers for women in politics.
WPL thanks all the participants who attended this Summit and contributed to the insightful keynote speeches, panels, policy focus sessions, and National Delegation Statements.
WPL sincerely congratulates Katerina Sakellaropoulou, President of Greece, for obtaining the prestigious WPL Trailblazer Award!
This award recognises leaders for breaking political glass ceilings and reaching the highest echelons of political leadership. President Katerina Sakellaropoulou’s leadership and determination to advancing women’s issues is an example for women leaders around the world. Learn more about the WPL Trailblazer Awards.
WPL thanks President Sakellaropoulou for her hospitality, hosting participants at a dazzling reception in the Presidential Mansion on the second day of WPL Summit 2024.
“Advancing women’s participation is critical not only because women are significantly underrepresented in decision-making, but also because the future of democracy and achievement of peaceful societies depends on it”.
Amina J. Mohammed,
Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations
The recently published WPL Representation Matters report clearly states it: Increased representation of women in elected office plays an important role in counteracting corruption and focusing resources on the quality and consistency of public service delivery.
The Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations delivered a keynote speech at the WPL Summit 2024. She pointed out that voters around the world who worry about growing threats to democratic freedoms should consider electing more women in countries’ national elections this year.
A keynote speech was also delivered by Sahle-Work Zewde, President of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and WPL Trailblazer Awardee. She highlighted the transformative potential of more representative parliaments in bolstering democratic institutions. She asserted that women constitute the majority of the electorate in many countries, yet their presence in top leadership positions remains disproportionately low.
Delving into critical topics impacting women in politics, the WPL Summit’s panel discussions and keynote speeches were both enlightening and motivating. From exploring the impact of women’s representation in leadership to navigating the future of political governance, and tackling violence against women in politics, speakers provided invaluable insights and strategies in solving these global issues.
Once again, delegations from around the world delivered National Delegation Statements at the WPL Summit 2024. Constantine Tassoulas, President of the Hellenic Parliament, emphasized women’s barriers in achieving political power and the imperative of strengthening global democracy, his statements demonstrated commitment to fostering inclusive governance.
Delegations called for concerted efforts to dismantle biases in women’s political representation and ensure equal access to political opportunities in a super-election year like 2024. Including the remarks from WPL Country Ambassador for Greece Sevi Voloudaki, who pointed outthe need for citizen engagement and the active participation of young people in safeguarding democratic principles. Learn more by reading the Hellenic Parliament press release:
WPL Summits started in 2013 at the European Parliament in Brussels. Since then, WPL has hosted 9 more Summits gathering hundreds of women Politicians in Rwanda, Ethiopia, Mexico, Jordan, Iceland, Lithuania, Japan and again in Brussels for its 10 year Anniversary in June 2023. WPL Summits gather between 200 and 300 women politicians from all over the world. Learn more.
