From January 21-24, 2025, the Equilibrium Institute hosted an international workshop in Budapest, bringing together female experts, policymakers, academics, and diplomats from the Visegrád Four (V4) countries.
- H.E. Désirée Bonis, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Hungary
- István Jakab, Vice President, National Assembly of Hungary
- Orsolya Ferencz, Ministerial Commissioner for Space Research, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
- Ágnes Vadai, Member of Parliament, Foreign Affairs Committee
- Tamás Baranyi, Director for Strategy, Hungarian Institute of International Affairs
- Balázs Tárnok, Director of Research, Ludovika University of Public Service
- Liliana Śmiech, Director General for International Affairs, Ludovika University of Public Service
- Tamás Vargha, Parliamentary State Secretary and Deputy Minister, Ministry of Defence
- H.E. C. Gülşen Karanis Ekşioğlu, Ambassador of Türkiye in Hungary
- Réka Sáfrány, President, Hungarian Women’s Lobby
- Borbála Juhász, Gender Policy Expert, Hungarian Women’s Lobby
- Edina Heal, Founder and CEO, Equalizer Foundation; Advisor, Equilibrium Institute
- Dóra Csernus, Director of Climate, Energy, and Environmental Policy, Equilibrium Institute
- Tamás Boros, Executive Director, Equilibrium Institute
- Réka Szemerkényi, Chief Advisor on Foreign and Security Policy, Equilibrium Institute
The workshop successfully strengthened professional networks among women working in foreign and security policy, enhancing cross-border collaboration within the V4 region. Discussions covered pressing security challenges, diplomatic cooperation, and strategies for increasing female representation in decision-making roles.
By facilitating direct engagement with senior policymakers, diplomats, and researchers, the Equilibrium Institute played a crucial role in creating a dynamic space for expert dialogue. The event highlighted the importance of cross-border cooperation and knowledge-sharing in addressing regional and global security challenges.
This initiative marked a significant step in building a strong network of women experts in foreign and security policy, paving the way for future collaboration and joint projects in the V4 region and beyond.
This project is financed by the Governments of the Czechia, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia through Visegrad Grants from International Visegrad Fund. The mission of the fund is to advance ideas for sustainable regional cooperation in Central Europe.
