By Anjali Sharma
UNITED NATIONS – UN on Wednesday has 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 session in New York.
UN said that 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 to achieve 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.”
She said that 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.”
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 the world’s largest conference on women runs from 10 to 21 March.
The overarched goal is to build on the 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 by 2030.
Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed delivered a strong video message stated 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, she said.
Ms. Mohammad noted that five years left to achieve the SDGs, “this must be our turning point to succeed in our aspirations to achieving gender equality”.
She pledged the UN’s commitment to take “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.”
‘The agenda has adolescent girls and young women at its core. It also focuses on financing for gender equality and mobilizing gender data.
According to the UN Women “Together, these six actions will help to realise the vision of the Beijing Platform for Action and accelerate delivery of the SDGs.”
“Together, we choose action over apathy,” Ms. Bahous said at the launch. “We choose to ignite the spirit of the Beijing Declaration once again.”
Panel discussions with government representatives, experts and UN officials covered the six action areas, highlighted gains made and challenges ahead during the launch session.
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