Paneuropean Conference
On 21 and 22 September, the University of Milano-Bicocca will host the Pan-European Conference Implementing the Istanbul Convention after the EU’s Accession in the Academic System. Backlash, Gaps and Institutional Responsibility, promoted by UNIRE and OCEAN.
Below is the registration form:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf2MJQlkarIzfhlx_E7mZcFwTE0jA0_…
Participation in the conference is free of charge.
The plenary sessions may also be attended remotely via the link provided, while the working groups are open only to in-person participants.
Day 1 – 21 September 2026:
9:00–10:00 – Registration and institutional greetings
10:00–10:30 – Framing the Challenge – The Role of UN.I.RE. and OCEAN Networks in Advancing the Istanbul Convention
10:30–11:00 – Keynote Lecture. The State of the Istanbul Convention in Council of Europe Societies: A Focus on EU Member States, Sara De Vido (Ca’ Foscari University of Venice)
11:00–12:30 – Round Table. Implementing the Istanbul Convention under Pressure (Institutional Limits and Accountability), with the participation of the following organizations: Council of – GREVIO, European Commission – Gender Equality Policy, European Institute for Gender Equality – Gender-based Violence Team, Women Against Violence Europe – President, Coordinator of the European Network on Gender and Violence (ENGV).
14:00–16:00 – Thematic Working Groups – Parallel Sessions: From Debate to Policy (Evidence, Gaps and Institutional Responsibility)
- Anti-Gender Movements and Backlash in Academia. Impact on University Policies, Research and Academic Freedom.
- Consent, Harassment and Mobbing: Are University Policies Effective?
- Prevention, Reporting Mechanisms and Institutional Accountability.
- Teaching the Istanbul Convention. Curricula, Professional Training and Resistance within Academic Systems.
- Digital Spaces and Gender-Based Violence. Online Sexism and the Responsibilities of Academic Institutions.
- Data, Monitoring and Accountability in Universities. Measuring Gender-Based Violence and Evaluating Policy Effectiveness.
16:15–17:30 – Plenary Session – From Discussion to Policy: Identifying Priority Actions for Universities, with reports from the working groups
17:30–18:00 – Conclusion of Day 1 – Towards a European Framework for University Accountability – Strengthening Academic Networks: minimum standards for universities, monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, and drafting a European Code of Conduct
Day 2 – 22 September 2026 (Session in Italian):
Implementing the Istanbul Convention in Italy. Policies, Gaps and Institutional Responsibilities
09:30–10:30 – UN.I.RE. in the Italian Context, with contributions from the UN.I.RE. Scientific Committee.
10:30–12:00 – National Panel – Italian Universities and Gender-Based Violence: Governance, Policies and Gaps
12:00–13:30 – Parallel Working Groups:
- Education and Curricula. Strengthening Educational Programs in Universities.
- Professional Training. Preparing Professionals to Address Gender-Based Violence?
- Data Collection and Transparency. Measuring the Phenomenon and Ensuring Accountability.
- Well-being, Reporting and Victim Support. Services, Procedures and Institutional Responsibility.
- Universities and Civil Society. Collaboration, Best Practices and Critical Issues.
Participation in the working groups is available only to in-person participants.
14:30–16:00 – Plenary Session – From National Practices to Structural Change, reports from the working groups and general discussion.
16:00–16:30 – Conclusions. What Next? UN.I.RE.’s Strategic Commitments
