Secretary-General Urges Renewed Commitment to Gender Equality on 30th Anniversary of Beijing Declaration

UN Secretary-General António Guterres addressed a high-level meeting in New York today, marking the thirtieth anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women. He emphasized that the rights of women and girls are fundamental human rights, not negotiable privileges. Guterres highlighted the achievements of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, which has driven progress in various areas, but noted that significant challenges remain. He called for renewed commitment to gender equality, as Sustainable Development Goal Five continues to lag behind amid rising conflicts and climate crises.

Achievements and Ongoing Challenges

Guterres reflected on the progress made since the Beijing Declaration, which stands as the most ambitious global commitment to women’s rights. He pointed out advancements in legal protections, political participation, and education, as well as efforts to reduce maternal mortality and combat violence against women. Despite these achievements, he acknowledged that progress has been inconsistent and that no country has yet achieved full equality for women and girls. The UN Secretary-General warned that hard-won gains are now under threat, as conflicts and climate disasters increase, further jeopardizing the rights of women and girls globally.

The Call for Global Action

In his remarks, Guterres stressed that equal rights and opportunities should not be seen as partisan issues but as essential global imperatives. He urged leaders worldwide to support women’s rights actively and to ensure that cultural traditions do not justify oppression. He noted that women and girls across the globe are fighting for their rights, demanding freedoms, and seeking legal protections. Earlier this year, the Commission on the Status of Women adopted a new Political Declaration, committing to implement the Beijing Declaration fully and swiftly. Guterres called on all nations to uphold this commitment and provide strong support for women’s organizations and initiatives.

Addressing Technological Inequities

Guterres highlighted the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on society, cautioning that the technology sector is predominantly male-dominated and often perpetuates discrimination through biased data and algorithms. He emphasized the need to confront online violence and hate while ensuring that technology promotes equality rather than exclusion. Investing in education for women and girls in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) is crucial, as their participation in decision-making processes is a fundamental right that enhances societal development and equality.

Commitment to Gender Parity

The UN Secretary-General shared the organization’s commitment to achieving gender parity in leadership roles. He clarified that this goal does not require bending the rules in favor of women but rather ensuring equal opportunities for all candidates, free from bias. Guterres reaffirmed the UN’s dedication to gender equality through its Gender Equality Acceleration Plan, which outlines a path forward. He concluded by urging attendees to share their commitments and plans to realize the ambitions of the Beijing Declaration, emphasizing the urgent need for equality for women and girls worldwide.

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