This year’s session will evaluate the outcomes of the 23rd Special Session of the General Assembly and the landmark Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, adopted in 1995.
Explore our guide on CSW and its significance now here.
‘Shaping a better future for all’
Loretta Jeff Combs, from the Tlesqinex First Nations in Canada, views the Beijing Declaration as a pivotal moment for acknowledging Indigenous women’s rights.
“Indigenous women are often excluded from decision-making processes that affect our futures,” she addressed delegates in the General Assembly Hall.
Emphasizing the current scenario in Canada, she decried a genocide against Indigenous women and called for immediate change.
“We need Indigenous women in all levels of leadership. When we elevate Indigenous women, we create a better future for all,” she stressed.
Watch the opening session below:
Bahous: ‘We stand firm against pushback’
In line with this sentiment, Sima Bahous, head of UN Women, warned of a rise in misogyny at a time when women are disproportionately affected by global crises and conflicts.
Despite progress, she underscored the need for accelerated action, including bridging the digital divide, investing in poverty eradication, and strengthening laws against violence against women and girls. Bahous also advocated for the inclusion of women in key decision-making and peacebuilding roles.
“We are prepared to stand up to the resistance. We will not back down,” she stated.
UN Chief: Addressing the ‘patriarchy curse’
For UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, the “curse of patriarchy” is palpable, with women’s rights presently “under fire.”
“Misogynists are gaining strength,” Guterres pointed out, drawing attention to online abuse targeted at women and leaders who dismiss equality.
Mr. Guterres called for direct action, including the Pact for the Future initiative and efforts to prioritize education, combat violence against women and girls, support women’s organizations, and encourage women’s leadership in technology. He emphasized the need for full participation of women in all spheres, from politics to peacebuilding.
“In these challenging times for women’s rights, we must rally around the Beijing Declaration, renew our commitment to the Platform for Action, and ensure equal rights, equality, and empowering become a reality for every woman and girl worldwide,” the UN leader declared.
Secretary-General António Guterres opens the sixty-ninth session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69).
‘We’re at a critical point’
UN officials, women, and girls at the opening session and various side events highlighted the Secretary-General’s call to action.
General Assembly President, Philémon Yang, acknowledged progress but warned of challenges ahead. While the number of elected women and girls in schools has increased since the Beijing Declaration, systemic barriers continue to impede equality.
“The level of political urgency and necessary resources are insufficient compared to our challenges,” he stated.
At the current pace, it would take 137 years to lift all women out of poverty and 68 years to end child marriage. Yang urged the international community to fully commit to implementing the “Beijing Promise” for a world achieving common goals and equality for all women and girls.
We can achieve gender equality within our lifetime if we grasp this opportunity. We’re at a critical point.
For live updates on CSW69, check our Meetings Coverage Section, featuring daily blogs on this and other conferences at UN Headquarters in English and French.
Among the numerous side events, several focus on youth’s power.
At the POWER4GIRLS: Invest in girls, transform the world event, girl champions will challenge the idea that initiatives led by girls are too small to make a significant impact and that government systems are too large for meaningful reform.
With support from the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and co-hosted by Canada and Sierra Leone, discussions will explore how the global community can intensify strategies and commitments by aligning policy solutions and multisectoral service delivery to the realities of girls’ lives and through the pivotal role of organizing to drive collective and transformative impact.
Watch the Power4Girls event on UN Web TV here.
This is among the many daily events taking place alongside the CSW session.
From achievements to ground challenges, find a rundown of side events planned for the full session here.
