About RISE 2025
A new international platform that places women at the center of political and economic dialogue on building a sustainable future.
The conference will bring together ministers, political leaders, representatives of international organizations, the business community, and experts from across sectors and countries that recognize women's empowerment as a key driver of social progress.
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Our Concept
In a world marked by global crises, deep inequalities, and complex political challenges, women increasingly demonstrate that true strength lies in collaboration, mutual trust, and a vision of shared action. Leadership that inspires change does not seek dominance but nurtures responsibility, solidarity, and inclusiveness.
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Our Forum
RISE 2025 will serve as a forum for diverse perspectives to meet and for policies to be shaped—policies that expand opportunities for women, safeguard their rights, and remove systemic barriers.
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Leadership without Rivalry
The goal is to build a society where women no longer face the choice between career and family, but can be both professionally fulfilled and personally free. Together We Rise.
Leadership without Rivalry
The Belgrade Women's Conference RISE 2025 is the start of a new chapter: Leadership without Rivalry. Together We Rise.
Panel Themes
Four comprehensive panel discussions addressing critical areas of women's empowerment, from political representation to economic equality and inclusive workplace practices.
Steps of Representation – Political Empowerment of Women
Women remain underrepresented in political decision-making due to cultural norms, institutional barriers, and limited access to political networks. This panel will explore practical strategies and structural reforms needed to ensure meaningful representation at all levels of governance. Participants will discuss how policies, mentorship programs, and international cooperation can create sustainable pathways for women into positions of power, ensuring that their voices not only participate but actively shape the political agenda.
Patterns of Dialogue – Women and Diplomacy
Women are increasingly shaping diplomacy, peacebuilding, and international negotiations, bringing inclusive perspectives and long-term sustainability to global decision-making. This panel will address structural barriers, gender stereotypes, and limited access to decision-making spaces that women diplomats still face. Discussions will focus on strategies to enhance visibility, integrate gender perspectives into foreign policy, and explore how the growing presence of women in diplomacy can redefine dialogue, strengthen international cooperation, and contribute to more equitable global outcomes.
Dynamics of Future – Economic Empowerment of Women
Persistent gender gaps in employment, wages, leadership, and access to resources continue to limit women's full economic potential. This panel will highlight policies, investments, and initiatives that can remove these barriers, support women-led entrepreneurship, and foster leadership in economic sectors. Participants will discuss how empowering women economically benefits not only individuals but entire societies – driving growth, innovation, and resilience – and how international cooperation can amplify these effects globally.
Business and Equal Parenthood – Creating Inclusive Workplaces for Empowered Families
Balancing professional responsibilities with family life remains a key challenge for women worldwide, reinforced by unequal caregiving roles, limited parental leave, and insufficient childcare systems. This panel will examine how inclusive workplace policies and cultural shifts can foster shared responsibility, reduce structural barriers, and ensure equal opportunities for women and men. Participants will discuss strategies to close gender pay gaps, promote equal participation in the labor market and leadership, and highlight how stronger partnerships between businesses, states, and international organizations, with the support of the United Nations, can contribute to building sustainable and empowered families.
Speakers
Visionary leaders and changemakers from around the world sharing their expertise and inspiring stories of transformation and empowerment.
Conference Program
A comprehensive day-long program featuring high-level political dialogue, expert panels, and keynote addresses focused on women's political and economic empowerment.
Arrival of guests, registration, and welcome cocktail
Guest arrival, conference registration, and welcome reception
RegistrationOfficial Opening Ceremony
Formal opening of the Belgrade Women's Conference RISE 2025
OpeningKeynote addresses by Professor Đuro Macut, Prime Minister of the Republic of Serbia, and Tatjana Macura, Minister without Portfolio in charge of gender equality, prevention of violence against women, and political and economic empowerment of women
Address and remarks on gender equality and women's empowerment
Prime Minister Đuro Macut & Tatjana Macura, Minister without Portfolio
KeynoteFamily Photo of Heads of Delegations
Official photography session with delegation heads
Photo SessionAddress by Distinguished Speaker Željka Cvijanović, Member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina: "Women solve problems"
Special keynote address on women's problem-solving capabilities in leadership
Željka Cvijanović, Member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Distinguished SpeakerPanel 1: Steps of Representation: Political Empowerment of Women
Exploring pathways to women's political empowerment and representation in governance
Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş Minister of Family and Social Services of Turkey
Mihailo Jovanović Director of the IT and eGovernment Office of Serbia
Julia Farrugia Minister for Inclusion and Voluntary Sector of Malta
Sabina Muratović Director at the Directorate for the social welfare of Montenegro
Moderator: Violeta Jovanović, Executive Director of NALED, Serbia
Panel DiscussionPanel 2: Patterns of Dialogue: Women and Diplomacy
Examining women's roles and influence in diplomatic relations and international dialogue
Aikaterini Patsogianni State Secretary, Ministry of Social Cohesion and Family of Greece
Victoria Billing Director for the Western Balkans and Eastern Mediterranean, FCDO, United Kingdom
Miroslava Vozaryova General Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic
Moderator: Michelle Cameron, Ambassador of Canada
Panel DiscussionLunch Break
Networking lunch with conference participants
NetworkingAddress by Distinguished Speaker Péter Szijjártó, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Hungary: "When Women Rise, Society Thrives"
Special address by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Hungary
Péter Szijjártó, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Hungary
Distinguished SpeakerPanel 3: Dynamics of Future: Economic Empowerment of Women
Exploring innovative approaches to women's economic participation and future opportunities
Arsen Torosyan Minister of Labour and Social Affairs of Armenia
Elena Grozdanova Representative of the interdepartmental group for gender equality of the Government of the Republic of North Macedonia
Maria Magdalena Szczerbowska UN Major Group for Children and Youth Regional Caucus Coordinator
Moderator: Tamara Bullock Corporate Affairs Director Europe, Tetra Pak
Panel DiscussionPanel 4 (supported by the UN Office in Serbia): Business and Equal Parenthood: Creating Inclusive Workplaces for Empowered Families
Supported by the UN Office in Serbia - Exploring how businesses can create inclusive environments that support equal parenthood and family empowerment
Dr. Gerda Neyer Stockholm University; Expertise: Gender, Family Policy, and Demographic Change, Sweden
Prof. Dr. Nataša Krstić Singidunum University, Faculty of Media and Communications, Serbia
Milena Jovanović Founder: MOĆNO, Sustainable Microgreens Business, Serbia
Aleksandra Kostić Director VIMAB d.o.o., Serbia
Panel DiscussionClosing remarks by Tamara Vučić
Final address by the First Lady of the Republic of Serbia
Tamara Vučić, First Lady of the Republic of Serbia
Closing RemarksClosing of the Conference
Official conclusion of the Belgrade Women's Conference RISE 2025
Conference CloseConference Details
Join us for RISE 2025 - Belgrade Women's Conference focused on Leadership without Rivalry. An international gathering dedicated to women's empowerment and regional cooperation.
Event Information
September 30, 2025
- Date: September 30, 2025
- Venue: Palace of Serbia, Belgrade
- Theme: Leadership without Rivalry
- International speakers and delegates
Focus Areas
Key Conference Themes
- Women's Political Leadership
- Economic Empowerment
- Social Justice and Human Rights
- Regional Cooperation
Conference Gallery
Access our photo collections from the RISE 2025 conference sessions and events.
Artistic Performances
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Official Opening
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Distinguished speakers: Tamara Vučić
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Distinguished speakers: Željka Cvijanović
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Distinguished speakers: Péter Szijjártó
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Get in Touch
Have questions about RISE 2025? Ready to join us? We're here to help you become part of this transformative experience.
Conference Venue
Palace of Serbia
Belgrade, SerbiaConference Date
September 30, 2025
Mark your calendar for this important event