This year’s conference will focus on Human Dignity, while addressing gender equality and the empowerment of women as a cross-cutting theme. Human dignity is the belief that every human being is uniquely valuable and therefore ought to be accorded the highest respect and care. The concept of human dignity is intrinsic to non-discriminatory practices along with equal rights for all. Within the context of the global pandemic, the risk of food insecurity, the lack of access to health services and educational opportunities, the hit to women’s workplace participation, and the rise of a “shadow pandemic” are threatening human dignity, and especially women’s rights.