Delegates on stage at the Women Deliver 2026 Conference in Melbourne launch a campaign calling for one million more midwives, as part of global efforts to strengthen maternal and women’s health systems
The Women Deliver 2026 Conference in Narrm (Melbourne) has closed with the launch of the Melbourne Declaration for Gender Equality, as global leaders and delegates called for stronger accountability and collective action.
The declaration is positioned as a central outcome of the gathering, which brought together 6,123 participants from 189 countries, including strong representation from the Oceanic Pacific region and Asia.
Women Deliver CEO Maliha Khan said the conference had built momentum but needed a clear outcome.
“But we need something solid to take with us. So I am so delighted to say that we have it. We have the Melbourne Declaration for Gender Equality. Well done, everybody.”
Speakers said the declaration reflects a shared effort to build a more coordinated approach to gender equality, grounded in public accountability and local leadership. The document has already received more than 400 endorsements, with close to 200 organisations formally signing on.
Ten countries have also backed an accompanying state declaration, including Colombia, Mexico, Slovenia, France, the United Kingdom, Norway, Uruguay, Finland, Spain and Canada.
The declaration was shaped through a series of global consultations, involving more than 650 contributors and over 30 engagement processes. A drafting committee including Aisha Fahm, Lauren Farris, Laura Cook, Nina Burling and Sandra Roach was acknowledged for its role in developing the final document.
Khan said the declaration builds on a collective effort developed during the conference.
“What we have done is we have created ambition, created solidarity, we’ve created hope. And all of that for a progressive future of gender equality”
Dr Maliha Khan, President and CEO of Women Deliver, with Helen Clark, former Prime Minister of New Zealand, Amina Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, and Noelene Nabulivou, Executive Director of DIVA for Equality, at a press conference during the Women Deliver 2026 Conference in Melbourne. Photo MI
“What we have done is we have created ambition, created solidarity, we’ve created hope. And all of that for a progressive future of gender equality.”
The event was initially set to name the outcome the “Narrm Declaration”, but organisers said the name was reconsidered out of respect for First Nations communities.
“We did, for a little while, envision that perhaps we’d be able to call it the NARM Declaration… but we had to ask the First Nations who actually owned that name… and they wanted to keep that name for their own work.”
Speakers emphasised the importance of solidarity and shared ambition, with the declaration outlining commitments to strengthen public systems, support collective voice and address economic and structural barriers affecting women and communities.
“It is pledging to work around states and their obligations to public accountability… to transform our own institutions… to confront unjust economic systems, and to stand against militarism.”
Participation at the conference reflected a broad global presence, with 44 per cent of attendees from the Oceanic Pacific region and nearly 20 per cent from Asia. Lower representation from Latin America, at around 3 per cent, was noted, with calls for broader participation in future gatherings.
A late endorsement from the Institute of the First Nations for Gender Justice was also acknowledged, alongside its own call for action aligned with the declaration.
Khan said the next phase would depend on continued cooperation.
“What must come first is solidarity.”
Attention is now turning to how governments, organisations and communities will implement the commitments outlined in the Melbourne Declaration and translate them into policy and practice.
The next phase of engagement is expected to continue through regional forums, including the upcoming Fourth Pacific Human Rights Conference in Tahiti.
Post Views:14
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,
The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
