Deputy Secretary-General Calls for Global Commitment to Gender Equality at Leaders Meeting

Following the Global Leaders Meeting on Women in Beijing, Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed delivered a powerful address reflecting on the progress made since the historic 1995 conference. She emphasized that while the Beijing Declaration marked a pivotal moment in advocating for women’s rights, significant challenges remain. With only five years left to achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, Mohammed urged global leaders to take decisive action to ensure that women’s rights are not only recognized but actively upheld.

Reflecting on the Legacy of Beijing

In her opening remarks, Amina Mohammed recalled the momentous occasion thirty years ago when the world united in Beijing to declare that women’s rights are human rights. This declaration ignited hope and possibility for countless women and girls, inspiring them to believe in their potential for progress. However, she noted that for many, the journey toward equality remains incomplete, with the promise of the declaration feeling increasingly distant. Mohammed expressed gratitude to the Member States, particularly China, for their ongoing commitment to this vital agenda, underscoring that the success of women’s rights initiatives relies on collective action.

Despite the renewed pledges made during the recent High-Level Week at the United Nations, progress for women and girls has stagnated, and in some areas, it is regressing. With the deadline for the Sustainable Development Goals approaching, Mohammed stressed the urgency of addressing these issues. She outlined four key imperatives to guide future actions, emphasizing the need for a clear-eyed approach to the challenges ahead.

Empowering Women as a Central Focus

Mohammed asserted that women’s empowerment must be integral to national visions and plans, rather than treated as an ancillary concern. She highlighted that true empowerment begins with safety, as women cannot thrive while living in fear of violence. Beyond safety, empowerment encompasses access to education, healthcare, decent work, and political participation. She pointed out that underinvestment in women limits not only their potential but also that of future generations.

The Deputy Secretary-General reaffirmed the importance of the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women as a foundational framework for accountability. She called for this framework to be actively integrated into every policy and budget, ensuring that gender equality becomes a guiding principle in all decision-making processes.

Integrating Women into Green and Digital Transitions

In her address, Mohammed emphasized the necessity of placing women and girls at the forefront of both the green and digital transitions. She noted that these developments are not abstract concepts but have real implications for women’s lives today. For instance, investments in clean energy and cooking solutions can significantly improve women’s health and create job opportunities. Furthermore, establishing a solid educational foundation is crucial for equipping women with the digital skills needed to thrive in an increasingly technological world.

The evidence supporting the economic benefits of bridging the gender digital divide is compelling. According to the UN Gender Snapshot, doing so could lift 30 million people out of extreme poverty and inject $1.5 trillion into the global economy within five years. Mohammed stressed that no economy can reach its full potential while neglecting half of its population, underscoring the importance of inclusive growth.

The Importance of Women’s Leadership

Finally, Mohammed highlighted that women’s leadership is a critical indicator of a prosperous society. She cited evidence showing that when women lead, communities experience more durable peace, profitable businesses, and inclusive policies. The Deputy Secretary-General called for strengthening the pipeline for women in leadership roles across all sectors, from government to local communities.

She emphasized that achieving gender equality is not solely a “women’s issue” but requires the involvement of everyone. Mohammed commended President Xi Jinping for his leadership in hosting the Global Leaders Meeting on Women and reiterated the need for collective commitment to women’s rights. As the meeting concluded, she urged attendees to make Beijing+30 a pivotal moment for delivering on the promises made three decades ago, envisioning a future where every woman and girl can learn, earn, and lead in a world that recognizes their invaluable contributions.

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