High-Level Conference on Equality & Competitiveness and Meeting of the High-Level Group on Gender Mainstreaming

“Ní neart go cur le chéile" – Strength with Unity – is the official slogan of the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Strength with Unity means building an EU where everyone has the opportunity to participate, contribute, and succeed. A core component of this work is equality, which is essential to Europe’s economic strength, fairness, and future prosperity.

As part of the Irish Presidency, the Department of Children, Disability and Equality will host two events in Dublin from Monday 7 to Wednesday 9 September 2026.

Meeting of the EU High-Level Group on Gender Mainstreaming

Taking place on Monday 7 and Tuesday 8 September 2026, this will bring together representatives of Member States, the European Commission, and the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE).

The Meeting will be the first discussion on the implementation of the recently published EU Gender Equality Strategy 2026 – 2030. It will also facilitate discussions on care and competitiveness, and initiatives to support greater numbers of women at leadership and decision-making level throughout EU Member States.

High-Level Conference on Equality and Competitiveness

This Conference takes place on Wednesday 9 September 2026. It will explore the relationship between gender equality and economic competitiveness. The conference will bring together delegates from EU institutions, Member States, international organisations, civil society, academia and other expert stakeholders.

The Conference will also feature plenary discussions and parallel thematic panels on the care economy, AI and digital transformation, and diversity in leadership and the links to economic growth, innovation and competitiveness. The European Institute for Gender Equality will launch its new campaign on Gender Equality and Competitiveness at the event.

Below you will find an information booklet, the combined event programme, and highlights from the three days.