Permanent Representative of the Czech Republic, H.E. Mrs. Marie Chatardová, presented her opening remarks at the event. List of panelists included Ms. Marja Ruotanen, Director of Human Dignity and Equality from the Council of Europe, Ms. Lakshmi Puri, Deputy executive Director of UN Women, and Mrs. Taťána Gregor Brzobohatá from foundation Beauty of Help.

Around the world, gender stereotyping and sexism present a serious obstacle to the achievement of gender equality and feed into gender discrimination around the world. Ageing of societies is another very significant challenge affecting mostly developed countries. Finding ways of effective participation of the elderly people in public affairs is a crucial condition for inclusive and sustainable development.

The title of the side event corresponds with the thematic focus of the incoming Czech Presidency of Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), which is “Towards sustainable, resilient and inclusive societies through participation of all”. Participation is a condition for the successful implementation of all the sustainable development goals (SDGs), including SDG number 5 on achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls, which is among the focus goals of the 2017 Forum.