Hosted by the European Commission in Brussels, the Global Gateway High-Level Youth Event took place on October 9-10, 2024, showcasing the transformative impact of the EU youth agenda. The event celebrated achievements, established new partnerships, and connected youth champion networks. With nearly half of the world’s population under 30—90% residing in less developed partner countries—this demographic trend was poised to significantly shape global economic relations and politics.

The position of ambassador is considered the pinnacle of a diplomatic career. However, it is a position that still remains dominated by men. A new ranking - named Shecurity - focuses on the place of women in diplomacy and while none of the 100 countries from which the data was collected in 2020 achieves gender equality, Belgium is rated as the worst.

With barely 11% of women among its ambassadors, Belgium comes bottom of the pile behind Kyrgyzstan and Chile. Topping the rankings are Finland, Austria and Latvia.

A transgender woman was sworn in as deputy prime minister in Belgium's new government on Thursday, becoming the most senior trans politician in Europe.

Belgium’s new federal government, led by Prime Minister Alexander De Croo, has ten male and ten female members, making it the first federal government with such a high percentage of women.

Belgium’s first female prime minister in its 189-year history has taken office, after Sophie Wilmès was named as the head of the country’s next caretaker government.

Wilmès succeeds the liberal leader Charles Michel, who will become president of the European council on 1 December. Her role has been described as a poisoned chalice, as linguistically divided parties struggle to form a government.