UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has sounded the alarm: it's time to accelerate progress on gender equality and deliver on the promise of the Beijing Declaration. Marking 30 years since the landmark Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing, Guterres warned that women’s rights are currently under siege.
He highlighted persistent issues such as violence, discrimination, and a 20% gender pay gap, noting that nearly one in three women have experienced violence. New technologies, including artificial intelligence, are rapidly reshaping the landscape, sometimes fueling online abuse and normalizing misogyny. 🚨
In his address at the opening of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), Guterres urged all countries to invest in education, tackle violence against women and girls, support women’s organizations, and promote women’s leadership in every field—from politics to technology. His call to action is a reminder that gender equality is not just a human right but also the foundation of sustainable development and lasting peace.
The 69th session of the CSW, held at the UN headquarters in New York from March 10 to 21, brings together policymakers, academics, civil society members, and experts from around the world. The forum will assess the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and address challenges that hinder progress toward the 2030 Agenda.
This defining moment invites everyone who cares about equality to stand up and speak out. As Guterres put it, now is the time to recommit to the Beijing Declaration and ensure that the promise of rights, equality, and empowerment becomes a reality for every woman and girl worldwide. Let’s join forces and shape a fairer, more inclusive future! ✨
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UN chief: Time for world to deliver on promise of Beijing Declaration
cgtn.com
