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My time at the United Nations High-Level Political Forum was incredible! I had the privilege of personally representing the Mary Ward Center and our gender equality research when meeting with Ambassador Bob Rae. Similarly, I was able to connect with a range of individuals, from diplomats to NGO advocates.

Ultimately, my participation at the HLPF reaffirmed my commitment to advocacy. It strengthened my resolve to confront gendered expectations and to champion inclusive, compassionate spaces where every voice—especially those of women and girls—can be heard and valued.

I am so grateful to have been able to contribute to our shared report! It is especially meaningful for me to share my skills with the work of the Mary Ward Centre as I discern my own vocation, and a joy to use my “researcher muscles” for the first time since finishing my PhD. My work on this included some consulting on methodology and analysis, background research, and writing/editing.

The Mary Ward Centre organized two virtual side events during the HLPF in collaboration with the IBVM-Loreto Generalate NGO to the UN and many other organizations. Recordings of the events are available on The Mary Ward Centre YouTube page.

From July 14 - 23, 2025, the Mary Ward Centre participated in the United Nations annual High Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF). This year’s HLPF made a deep dive analysis of five of the SDGs: SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).