A few months ago one could easily say that Sustainable evelopment Goals 5 (gender equality) and 16 (peace, justice and strong institutions) are rather directed towards developing countries, and have no relevance for Austria’s sustainable development, since the country meets the basic requirements of a peaceful and inclusive society, e.g. rule of law and democracy. However, the last weeks and months have shown that violent conflicts in developing countries do have a visible effect on Austria. Violence, discrimination, exclusion and intolerance are not only occuring in developing countries.
Europe is facing not only a flow of refugees, but also increasing right-wing extremism. Society’s ignoreance to global challenges like peace, human rights and gender equality harbours considerable potential for conflict and jeopardises sustainable development and peacekeeping in Austria and Europe.
We will keep raising awareness about sexual and gender based violence, by organising further events in 2017 and beyond. In addition, we are developing projects and programmes with the foundations o the Nobel Peace Prize laureates as well as the representatives of woman organisations (MENA region) whom we met during the WOMEN FOR PEACE 2016 conference.