HRC63 - JST - International Equal Pay Day

Human Rights Council 63rd Session
Item 3: General Debate
Joint Statement by Iceland on behalf of group of countries commemorating International Equal Pay Day
17 September 2026

President,

I take the floor on behalf of a group of countries* to commemorate this year’s International Equal Pay Day on 18th of September.

This day is a reminder of our collective progress and, simultaneously, the systemic barriers that hold back our potential.

On this occasion, we reaffirm our commitment to the full realisation of equal pay for work of equal value. It is a part of upholding the foundational principle of non-discrimination in international human rights.

We welcome the wins along the way. The availability of gender pay gap data expands globally and the implementation of binding legislation on pay transparency produces measurable progress. Further, emerging technologies can play a positive role in the oversight and compliance with equal pay standards.

Yet, there is work to do in a world where women still earn on average 20 per cent less than men according to the International Labour Organization index.

The systemic undervaluation of women’s work remains a significant driver of gender pay gaps globally.

Equal pay equals stronger labour markets, more resilient economies and greater protection of an adequate standard of living. It contributes to well-being of families, reduced poverty, and recognition of vital knowledge and skills, while helping to address the inequalities that underpin discrimination.

We call for strengthened collaboration to turn commitments on equal pay into action and to eliminate the gender pay gap – once and for all.

Thank you.

* Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Cambodia, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Georgia, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Montenegro, Nepal, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Uruguay