Geneva, 11 June 2026 Tatiana Molcean, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), has assumed the position of Chair of the Global Board of the International Gender Champions (IGC), a leadership network of international decision-makers committed to advancing gender equality across international organisations, governments, civil society and the private sector.
Ms. Molcean succeeds Martin Chungong, Secretary General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), who has led the network for the past six years. Mr. Chungong, a founding Gender Champion since 2015, played a pivotal role in strengthening the IGC’s global reach and impact during his tenure. Under his leadership, the IGC network achieved significant milestones, including the expansion of its global hubs, the introduction of a Gender-Based Violence Pledge to fight sexism, and the launch of the Geneva Pledge for Gender-Responsive Climate Action, signed by over 80 leaders globally.
he appointment of Ms. Molcean was officially announced at the Summer Meeting of the Geneva Gender Champions, hosted at the European Union Delegation to the United Nations Office and other international organisations in Geneva. A Gender Champion since 2021, Ms. Molcean brings a strong track record of leadership and commitment for gender equality.
The International Gender Champions network now comprises more than 300 active and over 500 alumni Champions worldwide working to break down gender barriers through the IGC Panel Parity Pledge, the Gender-Based Violence Pledge, and two concrete personal commitments for advancing gender equality each year. Champions have also spearheaded initiatives across key thematic areas, including climate action, women, peace and security, and digital and new emerging technologies, reinforcing the network’s relevance in addressing today’s most pressing global challenges.
“Leading this network of over 300 Champions from all over the world is a responsibility which I take very seriously. At UNECE and across the entire UN system, we will continue to ensure that gender remains a key, cross-cutting element of our work,” said Ms. Molcean.“As we look ahead, I am convinced that the International Gender Champions network is more important than ever. At a time when fundamental rights are being called into question, and rapid technological, economic and geopolitical transformations are reshaping our societies, our collective leadership matters. We have the responsibility and the ability to drive change; through the choices we make and the example we set.”
Ms. Molcean will oversee the implementation of the IGC’s new Lighthouse Strategy (2026-2030), which will focus on strengthening support to Champions, diversifying the IGC network, and countering the anti-gender pushback. In her capacity as Champion, she has committed to use the UNECE’s convening power to advance dialogue and cooperation on women’s economic empowerment and inclusive regional economic transformation, as well as to strengthening gender-responsive economic governance by systematically integrating gender perspectives into UNECE’s normative work and promoting inclusive representation across flagship policy platforms.
Ms. Molcean will be joined by the first-ever Vice Chair of the Global Board, Ambassador Matthew Wilson, Permanent Representative of Barbados. “The International Gender Champions is one of the largest and most diverse global networks of supporters for gender equality and equity. I am honoured to serve as the first Vice Chair working to support Tatiana Molcean as our new Chair. Together, and in partnership with the network, we will ‘push back against the pushback’ using data, advocacy, economic and social responsibility and common sense to show why bridging the gender gap is the smart and right thing to do”, Ambassador Wilson said.
Photo credit: MARCOM @ GCSP.
