By R Anil Kumar
New York. The United Nations(UN) launched a bold new action agenda to boost rights and achieve gender equality at a high-level event on the sidelines of the ongoing Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) session at UN Headquarters in New York on March 12.
From embarking on a digital revolution to fill the gaping gender divide to ensuring a seat at decision making tables, the new plan builds on the landmark 1995 Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, which presented a blueprint for achieving gender equality and advancing women’s rights.
UN Women chief Sima Bahous said “today, we take stock” of the situation of women and girls. However, despite some gains, “these are not enough.”
Women still face targeted violence, bear the brunt of climate change consequences and often remain on the sidelines of decision making.
“It is the moment to push forward,” she said. “We will not step back. Now, we must transform commitments into results.”
‘Choose action over apathy’
The Beijing+30 Action Agenda aims to achieve the following for all women and girls: a digital revolution, freedom from poverty, zero violence, full and equal decision-making power, an equal say in peace and security matters as well as climate justice.
High-level UN officials launched the new action agenda as the commission continues its 69th session (CSW69) – the world’s largest conference on women – which runs from 10 to 21 March.
The overarching goal is to build on the UN Secretary-General’s latest review and the newly adopted CSW69 Political Declaration. It also aims to align the Beijing+30 Action Agenda with national priorities and the ambitious push to achieve the internationally agreed 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.
‘This must be our turning point’
UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed delivered a strong video message, saying 2025 is a “call to action” as women and girls face unimaginable challenges. Armed conflicts continue in many parts of the world and the scourge of violence claims the lives of women every day.
With just five years left to achieve the SDGs, “this must be our turning point to succeed in our aspirations to achieving gender equality”, she said, pledging the UN’s commitment to taking “bold actions”, including the UN chief’s clarion call announced last week.
“Let’s seize this opportunity,” she said. “Let’s ensure our commitments translate into lasting impact.”
‘Ignite the spirit of Beijing’
The agenda has adolescent girls and young women at its core. It also focuses on financing for gender equality and mobilising gender data.
“Together, these six actions will help to realise the vision of the Beijing Platform for Action and accelerate delivery of the SDGs,” according to UN Women.
“Together, we choose action over apathy,” Ms. Bahous said at the launch. “We choose to ignite the spirit of the Beijing Declaration once again.”
During the launch event, panel discussions with government representatives, experts and UN officials covered the six action areas, highlighting gains made and challenges ahead.
