The discussion between the women Foreign Ministers in Montreal will focus on strengthening democracy and advancing global peace, security and prosperity – which include ensuring women's rights, from equal participation to freedom from violence. The Foreign Ministers will also exchange views with experts and civil society organisations.

The European Union and Canada – also in its current role as Chair of the G7 – share a strong commitment to promoting gender equality and women's rights, and more broadly to the values of democracy, equality and multilateral cooperation to advance global peace, security and prosperity.

This initiative by High Representative Mogherini and Minister Freeland seeks to complement ongoing and multilateral efforts to advance these shared values, bringing together women Foreign Ministers from around the world to reflect on and identify areas where cooperation could bring about change.

The meeting will take place just ahead of United Nations General Assembly ministerial week in New York, with first meetings of the EU high-level delegation starting already on 23 September.

Audio-visual coverage of the event will be provided by EbS. Opening remarks at the start of the meeting on Friday and press conference at the end on Saturday will be open to press.