7th OWSD General Assembly

WOMEN. SCIENCE. DEVELOPMENT. Our conversation
Bogotá, Colombia – 3–7 November 2025
EAN University

An International Event for Women in Science

For the first time ever, the OWSD General Assembly will be held in Latin America, hosted at the vibrant and sustainable campus of EAN University in Bogotá. This major global gathering will bring together:

250 OWSD members and fellows from across the Global South
Representatives from 58 National Chapters
Policy leaders, funders, and international organizations
Over 150 participants from the Third Interregional Dialogue on Education and Development

A week of strategy, dialogue, and global collaboration for science, gender equity, and development.

A pivotal moment for reflection, strategy, and transformation

The 7th General Assembly and International Conference of the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD) marks a pivotal moment in the life of the organization. Conceived as more than a scientific conference, this edition will serve as a strategic space to collectively reflect on OWSD’s achievements and to envision its future direction.

As OWSD approaches a new phase of growth, the General Assembly will bring together its vibrant community—members, National Chapter representatives, fellows and beneficiaries, partners, and host institutes—to engage in forward-looking dialogue on the evolving needs of women scientists in the developing world.

Throughout the week, participants will gather information, exchange experiences, and generate insights that will inform the organization’s next strategic priorities. A particular focus will be placed on how OWSD can further strengthen its role as a policy and advocacy actor, promoting science as a driver for equity, resilience, and sustainable development.

The 2025 General Assembly will take place at EAN University in Bogotá, which serves not only as the venue but also as the host institution of the OWSD National Chapter in Colombia and the implementing partner for this event. EAN University plays a crucial role in supporting OWSD through a broader collaboration to empower women scientists in Colombia, providing them with a platform for visibility and influence at an international level. The University is offering both strategic and logistical support, including coordination of several aspects of the conference and facilitation of visa processes for international participants, ensuring an inclusive and well-coordinated experience for all delegates.

To support its vision, OWSD has partnered with the Interregional Dialogues on Education and Development, an initiative that since 2022 has become a vital platform for strengthening cooperation between CELAC and the African Union. These Dialogues have deepened alliances among governments, universities, and development actors, promoting collaboration grounded in shared histories, challenges, and aspirations.

The third edition of the Interregional Dialogue, co-organized by the Government of Colombia (as pro tempore presidency of CELAC), the African Union, Obreal, the Colombian Association of Universities (ASCUN), and the Association of African Universities (AAU), will run in parallel with the OWSD General Assembly, offering a Week of Synergies and Impact.

This strategic convergence represents a unique opportunity for cross-pollination between policymakers, academic leaders, researchers, innovators, and civil society. Joint sessions and cross-cutting discussions will focus on education reform, scientific innovation, digital inclusion, and gender equity, with a shared aim of advancing sustainable development and interregional cooperation among Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa, and Europe.

While the General Assembly will include exclusive sessions dedicated to OWSD governance, planning, and member engagement, it will also open selected moments for joint panels and workshops with Dialogue participants. This collaboration, enabled by Obreal and its partners, will allow OWSD members to actively contribute to shaping the new course of science and higher education worldwide, ensuring that the voices and visions of women scientists remain central to the global agenda.

Key Objectives of the General Assembly

Amplify the voices of women scientists from developing countries

Strengthen OWSD’s regional networks in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Arab region

Engage in strategic planning for OWSD’s next programme cycle

Influence policy dialogues on gender equity in STEM and academia

Participation

Participation in the in-person event is by invitation, and limited to:

OWSD Executive Board members
National Chapter representatives
OWSD Fellows and Awardees

Attendees have been officially selected by OWSD to represent their programmes and regions. Registration for self-funded participants is now closed.

Live Streaming

Selected sessions of the event will be live streamed.

Registration is required to access the streaming links.
More information will be published on this page soon.

We look forward to your virtual participation!

Agenda and logistical information

The OWSD General Assembly and International Conference 2025 will feature a week of dynamic sessions bringing together women scientists, policymakers, and international partners. While the General Assembly will include exclusive sessions on OWSD governance, planning, and member engagement, it will also open selected panels and workshops in collaboration with the Interregional Dialogue on Education and Development, coordinated by Obreal and its partners. This joint initiative will enable OWSD members to contribute to shaping the future of science and higher education worldwide, ensuring that the voices and visions of women scientists remain central to the global agenda.