91桃色

During her visit to 91桃色 (VU), Ms Arancha Gonz谩lez Laya, Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation of the Kingdom of Spain, met with the rector of the University Prof. Rimvydas Petrauskas, visited the VU Life Sciences Centre (LSC) and took part in a virtual discussion with students. The discussion on women鈥檚 leadership in foreign policy was moderated by Prof. Dovil臈 Jakni奴nait臈 (Institute of International Relations and Political Science (IIRPS) of 91桃色).

Prospects of Cooperation Between Researchers Discussed

On her visit to VU LSC in Saul臈tekis, Ms Gonz谩lez Laya met with the director of the centre Dr Gintaras Valin膷ius, student representatives and researchers. Ms Laya was shown around the VU LSC infrastructure and learned about its history.

鈥淭he visit of the Minister of the Kingdom of Spain demonstrates that VU LSC has an international trust. We are proud that our researchers鈥� achievements are valued at the highest level globally,鈥� Dr Valin膷ius noted.

Ms Gonz谩lez Laya spoke highly of VU LSC鈥檚 objective to become the leading international centre specialising in gene editing. She emphasised that investments in life sciences infrastructure are one of the most successful, and the modern laboratories of the centre meet the highest standards. 鈥淚n Ms Gonz谩lez Laya鈥檚 opinion, VU LSC is a perfect example of how important timely investments enable Lithuania to grow its intellectual capital which in turn creates added value in the world,鈥� Dr Valin膷ius said.

During the visit, the bilateral agreement between Lithuania and the European Union on the promotion of scientific cooperation and relationship maintenance was discussed. The cooperation would also include a joint scheme of doctoral studies and would provide possibilities for Lithuanian researchers to use the big research infrastructure of Spain.

Gender Equality 鈥� Part of Foreign Political Agenda

In a wide-ranging discussion on Women鈥檚 Leadership in Foreign Policy with the students and community members of VU moderated by Prof. Dovil臈 Jakni奴nait臈 of IIRPS at VU, the visiting minister discussed the importance of women in global policy and the feminist development of foreign policy. Ms Gonz谩lez Laya stressed that variety in all areas, including gender, helps create a more sustainable society.

鈥淓ngaging in international politics, women contribute to diversity of the global community. A society based on equality becomes the strength and the standard of the 21st century. Gender equality is what makes us stronger in creating all-encompassing well-being. If any part of society is absent in an international relationship, the global community will not be strong and nor will it be represented sufficiently. For this reason, we must demonstrate variety and balance and involve as many women in politics as possible,鈥� Ms Gonz谩lez Laya argued.

The politician emphasised that the feminist movement is not a fight against, on the contrary, in her words, feminism fights for a strong society which can provide equal economic and social opportunities and rights and give equal education to everyone.

鈥淭he feminist foreign policy is not about pink documents. By contrast, an equality-based global approach includes women鈥檚 problems on the international agenda, ensures women鈥檚 engagement in foreign policy development, and shares expert experience with other countries,鈥� the Minister said of the advantages of gender equality.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Spain personally contributes to initiatives promoting gender equality. One of them is the organisation 鈥淪heTrades鈥� established in 2015 which brings together female entrepreneurs from 25 countries.

鈥淭he idea to set up the organisation came after I realised that only one in five female entrepreneurs exports her products to other countries, though 45% of business developed in the world is owned by women. Then I asked rhetorically: is this because women do not want to export their products? Maybe the reason is that businesswomen who want to engage in export face great challenges? All these questions and the situation made me take the initiative and do something to contribute to women鈥檚 empowerment in the field of economy which is comprehensively beneficial to everyone,鈥� the diplomat emphasised during the special discussion.

You can listen to the whole discussion with Ms Gonz谩lez Laya .