Zonta Conference in Copenhagen: Paths to Diversity and Equality

Zonta Conference in Copenhagen: Paths to Diversity and Equality

A major European summit of Zonta International took place in Copenhagen on May 18, 2025. Ute Scholz, the former president of Zonta International, took part in this three-day conference, which brought together around 350 participants from a wide range of Zonta clubs. The focus of the conference was on socially relevant topics, in particular diversity, equality and inclusion.

The tenth Zonta European Inter-District Seminar offered a platform for exchanging ideas about current challenges. At the conference, Ute Scholz met her three predecessors, all of whom are known as Past International Presidents, as well as Brigitta Henß, the former president of the Zonta Club. The event took place at Scandinavia's second oldest university, founded in 1479. The historical setting added a remarkable atmosphere to the meeting.

Content and workshops

The conference included numerous lectures and workshops. Mads Falkenfleth, the founder of WELA, gave a talk on the “well-being economy,” a concept that measures economic progress based on people’s well-being. Muneeza Rosendahl, the head of Equal Access, addressed the topics of “minority stress” and discrimination in her contribution. In addition to the central lectures, workshops took place that helped the participants to implement the topics discussed in their clubs.

A supporting program, which included a reception in the town hall and a trip to Kronborg Castle, ensured a pleasant atmosphere and exchange among the participants.

Connection to the UN

An important point in Ute Scholz's stay in Copenhagen was her visit to UN City, the European center of the United Nations, which opened in 2009. UN City is home to several UN organizations, including Unicef, which operates one of the world's largest humanitarian camps in Copenhagen. Zonta International's activities are closely linked to the UN's goals, particularly in relation to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a focus on Goal 5, which concerns the empowerment of women in society.

Zonta International's UN teams represent the organization at various UN locations worldwide, including New York, Geneva, Vienna, Bangkok, Nairobi and Paris. These teams work to ensure that Zonta's priorities are clearly represented in decision-relevant meetings and engage in dialogue with decision-makers at the UN and in countries where Zonta supports projects.

After the conference, Ute Scholz traveled to Lübeck to take part in a discussion evening at the Zonta Club. This demonstrates Zonta International's ongoing commitment to women's concerns and the promotion of equality.