UNCSW69 concludes with renewed commitments for the future of gender equality

The 69^th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) wrapped up last Friday with renewed commitments to accelerate progress on gender equality and further empower women globally. Hadja Lahbib, Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness, and Crisis Management, represented the European Union at the UN Headquarters in New York, bringing her perspective to the table and reinforcing the EU’s commitment to gender equality within and beyond its borders. 

This year's session marked the 30^th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration, which remains the most progressive framework for gender equality since its adoption in 1995. Three decades after its signature, the Declaration and Platform for Action still set the global standards for equal rights of every woman and girl. UNCSW69 invited representatives from member states, UN entities, and NGOs from across the globe to reaffirm the commitments from Beijing in the current context and share views for the way ahead. 

The general discussions were complemented by high-level side events on different issues. Commissioner Lahbib, speaking on behalf of the Group of Friends for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls, stressed the urgent need to find the antidote to the poison of gender-based violence. Moreover, she participated in a discussion co-organised by the EU delegation focusing on women's rights in Afghanistan, calling for attention to the fundamental rights violations in the country and the need for action. Together with the Polish Presidency of the EU, she co-organised a side event to showcase the strength of young women’s activism. 

The main outcome of the 69th session is the adoption of a political declaration and a resolution on the multi-annual programme of work for the coming four years for CSW. The Political Declaration reaffirms global commitments for gender equality, underscoring the Beijing Declaration’s importance as a critical tool while emphasizing the need for intensified action, better implementation and international enforcement. While acknowledging the progress made in protecting and empowering women and girls, it also draws attention to the slow and uneven progress with regards to gender equality and the need to address key and emerging challenges. These include addressing economic inequality and structural issues, stressing the necessity of inclusive access to technology and education, the importance of participation and leadership of women in all levels of decision-making, and combatting all forms of violence against women and girls. 

Ultimately, UNCSW is a unique moment in the year to discuss collectively how to advance gender equality and empowerment of all women and girls. The 69^th session showed again how important it is to come together to mark achievements and share good practices to pave the way, and reminded us about the need to keep up efforts for gender equality in times of turmoil and backlash.