UNFPA, in collaboration with UN Women, is organizing this international conference to address the global epidemic of violence against women. Hosted by the Government of Turkey, the meeting will bring together representatives from governments, researchers, members of academia and non-governmental organization, as well as UN agencies and advocate organizations to review progress made toward eliminating gender-based violence, as well as the enormous work that remains.

Attendees will identify challenges and share best practices from all over the world on preventing and addressing violence against women and girls.

They will also look at the needs of women and girls caught in humanitarian crises, where they are especially vulnerable to violence, abuse and exploitation, and where protection mechanisms and assistance are often difficult to access. Addressing these needs will require cooperation across sectors, involving development experts and humanitarian specialists.

Attendees will seek renewed international commitment to the rights of women and girls, and will focus on accelerating progress as countries shift their efforts to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.