Wescot-Williams to Chair International Gender Equality Conference ( ICGE) in Accra, Ghana

GHANS--In a major milestone for Sint Maarten and the wider Caribbean, Sint Maarten Parliament’s Chairperson Wescot-Williams has been appointed Chairperson of the 2025 International Conference on Gender Equality, taking place in Accra, Ghana. MP Wescot-Williams departed  this past weekend to lead this  significant global conference under the theme  “ Charting the Next Frontier for Gender Equality in Developing Economies”. This auspicious gathering comes on the heels of the Beijing+30 Declaration and Plan of Action.

Hosted by regional and international partners, the conference will bring together ministers, parliamentarians, UN leaders, academics, and civil society advocates from across Africa, the Caribbean, Asia, and Latin America.

This year’s gathering is considered one of the critical moments for shaping global gender policy at the 30th anniversary of the historic 1995 Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action,  and just 5 years away from the SDGs  targeted year 2030.

MP Wescot’s appointment as Chairperson places Sint Maarten and the Caribbean squarely in the global spotlight, amplifying the region’s voice on urgent issues such as climate justice, digital inequality, care economy reform, rising violence, women’s leadership, and the accelerating threats to gender equality.

“This is a proud moment not only for Sint Maarten, but for the entire Caribbean,” MP  Wescot said. “Our region stands on the frontlines of the climate crisis, economic volatility, and widening gender gaps. To chair a global conference of this magnitude is both an honour and a responsibility and one that I carry on behalf of every woman and girl whose voice deserves to be heard.”

The Accra conference comes at a time when developing economies face mounting pressures: climate disasters, debt burdens, digital exclusion, and post-pandemic setbacks. These challenges disproportionately impact women and girls.

MP Wescot emphasized the significance of Global South leadership during these times: “From Africa to the Caribbean to the Pacific, we are confronting the same structural threats, and should be part of  the solutions. This conference is proof that we are not waiting to be invited. We can shape  the agenda and help define the future of gender equality.”

As Chairperson, MP Wescot will:

•preside over high-level sessions and plenaries;

•guide the conference outcomes and commitments;

•lead negotiations on the final communiqué;

•represent the Caribbean’s perspectives on climate resilience, women’s leadership, and socio-economic equity;

•amplify the needs of small island developing states (SIDS) in global gender policymaking.

Participation at this level strengthens partnerships, opens new avenues for technical cooperation, and contributes to stronger, more inclusive national policies.

“This is more than representation, it is an opportunity for Sint Maarten to help shape global solutions and bring back insights that will strengthen our own policies,” MP Wescot said.

Conference Dates

The 3rd International Conference on Gender Equality will take place in Accra, Ghana, from November

20th through November 22nd.

‍