OREANDA-NEWS. On November 8-9, the 7th Forum of the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region (EUSBSR) was held in Stockholm. Within the framework of the Forum a seminar titled “The importance of gender equality” was held about the issues of equal rights of women and active participation in the political and social life for sustainable development with reference also to the Eastern Partnership region.

The panelists of seminar were the Ambassador of Armenia to Sweden Artak Apitonian, Ambassador for the Eastern Partnership of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sweden Anna Westerholm, Deputy Speaker of the Swedish Parliament Esabelle Dingizian, Mayor of Ovan?ker, member of the European Committee of the Regions Yoomi Renstr?m.

In his speech, Ambassador Apitonian referred to the issues of active participation of women for sustainable development of societies, the current state of gender equality in the Eastern Partnership region, existing challenges and introduced the experience of Armenia. Ambassador emphasized the importance of implementing women rights projects and active involvement of international organizations dealing with such issues throughout Europe, including the conflict areas. Other panelists introduced the Swedish advanced experience in that field.