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In a significant move aimed at addressing the persistent gender divide, a new initiative has been launched that centers on the empowerment of women and girls. This plan draws inspiration from the influential Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action of 1995, which laid out a framework for promoting gender equality and enhancing the rights of women.
According to UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous, we must reflect on the current state of women and girls. While progress has been observed, she emphasizes that such advancements are insufficient. Women continue to endure violence targeted toward them, are disproportionately affected by climate change, and often lack representation in critical decision-making processes.
Bahous firmly stated, “It is time to advance our efforts; we will not retreat. Our focus now must be on turning commitments into tangible outcomes.”
Pursue Action Over Indifference
The newly introduced Beijing+30 Action Agenda aims to create a landscape where all women and girls can experience a digital evolution, live free from poverty, be protected from violence, and engage fully in decision-making processes, particularly regarding peace, security, and climate justice.
This agenda was officially unveiled during the ongoing 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69), which is recognized as the largest global gathering focusing on women’s issues, occurring from March 10 to March 21.
The primary objective is to build upon the most recent review by the UN Secretary-General and to synchronize the Beijing+30 Action Agenda with national initiatives as well as the commitment to meeting the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by the year 2030.
View the launch event on UN Web TV here:
This Is Our Crucial Moment
In a powerful video message, UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed described the year 2025 as a pivotal “call to action.” She highlighted the especially dire circumstances that women and girls confront, exacerbated by ongoing armed conflicts and the daily toll of violence against them.
With only five years remaining to fulfill the SDGs, she urged, “this must be our turning point to realize our goals of achieving gender equality.” Mohamed committed to the UN’s undertaking of decisive measures, reflecting the leadership’s recent urgent appeal.
“We must embrace this moment,” she remarked. “Let’s ensure our promises yield meaningful and lasting impact.”
Reviving the Commitment of Beijing
The agenda places a significant emphasis on young women and adolescent girls. Additionally, it highlights the essential role of financial investment in gender equality and the importance of utilizing gender data effectively.
UN Women asserts, “Collectively, these six strategic actions will fulfill the vision of the Beijing Platform for Action and accelerate progress towards the SDGs.”
At the launch, Ms. Bahous declared, “We decisively choose action over indifference. We aim to rekindle the spirit of the Beijing Declaration once more.”
Throughout the event, discussions featuring government officials, experts, and UN representatives delved into these six action areas, showcasing progress made and obstacles that lie ahead.
Source
news.un.org