ICC Launches 2026–2029 Strategy on Gender Equality, Inclusion

By Stacie Cantor, Keith Candice Diño

The International Criminal Court (I.C.C.) on Sept. 22 launched a new four-year strategy that aims to strengthen gender equality, inclusion, and workplace conditions across the institution.

The Gender Equality and Enabling Environment (GEEE) Strategy 2026–2029 succeeds the Court’s Gender Equality and Workplace Culture Strategy 2023–2025. The new framework broadens the Court’s approach from workplace culture to the wider conditions that enable its personnel to participate fully in its work.

The strategy applies across the I.C.C.’s organs and personnel and is built around four core values: accountability, fairness, inclusion and integrity. The Court said these principles are intended to guide its internal culture and everyday practices.

I.C.C. President Tomoko Akane described gender equality as an “absolute institutional prerequisite” for the Court, emphasizing the importance of dignity, equity and mutual respect within an institution responsible for administering international criminal justice.”

The new strategy also adopts an intersectional approach, recognizing that workplace experiences may be influenced by multiple and overlapping aspects of identity. The Court said this approach is intended to support a more inclusive and responsive working environment.

Deputy Prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang said the Court remains “committed to fostering an environment where everyone can contribute, be heard and reach their full potential.”

Mr. Niang also linked diversity and gender equality to the Court’s ability to carry out its mandate.

I.C.C. Registrar Osvaldo Zavala Giler said the previous “2023–2025 strategy has yielded institutional milestones” and that through the new framework, they would continue advancing efforts to incorporate the Court’s core values into its operations.

“With the launch of this second strategy, we are advancing efforts to make the high standards the Court promotes worldwide an integral part of how it operates. Through the 2026-2029 strategy, we will continue to turn our Core Values into action, fostering a resilient  and enabling workplace that respects and reflects the diverse intersectional identities and expressions of our global workforce,” Mr. Giler shared.

Under the 2026–2029 strategy, the I.C.C. will also conduct regular reporting on implementation. According to the Court, the reporting process will help identify patterns, encourage dialogue and apply lessons learned from the previous strategy.

The initiative forms part of the I.C.C.’s continuing efforts to strengthen its internal environment while carrying out its broader mandate of international criminal justice.