How to overcome the Covid-19 pandemic and its consequences

• Historical Archives of the European Union

This hybrid, livestreamed event is organised by the W20 International Equity in Health Commission and the European Parliament Former Members Association, together with the Historical Archives of the European Union. It brings together political and academic figures to discuss current gender inequalities in health systems.

The event opens with Ludwig Van Beethoven's Hymn to Joy, performed by the Ars Pace flute master Andrea Ceccomori. Secretary General of the EUI Marco Del Panta, the Deputy Mayor of Florence Alessia Bettini and the Director of the Historical Archives of the EU (EUI) Dieter Schlenker each will deliver a welcome. Elena Bonetti, Italy’s Minister of Equal Opportunities; Hans-Gert Pöttering, President of the European Parliament Former Members Association; and Elvira Marasco, President of the W20 will open the event. The debate will engage representatives of the international institutions of the W20 Group and includes members of the Commission and of the European Parliament. The event will culminate with the presentation of the ‘Charta di Florentia’ by the coordinator of the W20 Equity in Health Commission Flavia Franconi and FMA Vice President Monica Baldi.

The W20, made up of more than 90 delegates from 20 counties, is the G20 engagement group focused on gender equality. It develops policy proposals and recommendations directed to the leaders of G20 member countries. The W20 Equity in Health Commission aims to specifically address gender inequalities in health systems. Its establishment stems from the idea that gender differences affect health status, thus demanding a gendered approach to clinical practice.