Speech: Collective action, accountability, and commitment to deliver change for all women and girls
Remarks by UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous at CSW69 side event on “Multistakeholder partnerships – Leveraging Generation Equality to advance recommitment, accountability, and resourcing of the Beijing Platform for Action”, on 10 March 2025.
[As delivered.]
As we come together here at CSW69 [69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women], we do so in a year of profound significance. In 1995, the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action was adopted, setting the course for gender equality and women’s empowerment around the world. Three decades on, we stand at a defining crossroads—one that demands renewed commitment, bold action, and unwavering resolve, as I am sure you all agree.
The road to gender equality has been anything but linear. While we have marked significant milestones, hard-won gains are under threat. Worsening conflicts, widening inequalities, and global crises cast long shadows over the progress we have fought so hard to achieve.
The Secretary-General’s report on the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration paints a sobering picture: nearly 10 per cent of women and girls live in extreme poverty today. At the pace we are going, it will take an astounding 137 years to eradicate extreme poverty for women and girls. And in conflict-affected areas, women and girls are nearly eight times more likely to live in poverty than their peers in stable contexts.
For millions of women and girls, these are not statistics—these are their daily realities. Poverty, inequality, discrimination, misogyny continue to stifle their dreams and limit their futures.
But these numbers do not capture our resolve or the strength of our collective effort. These challenges are precisely why we must rise, stronger and more united than ever.
Gender equality is not just a matter of policy—it is a matter of justice. A matter of human rights. But it is not enough to speak about equality. We must act with purpose, with determination. And we must do this together.
The power of our collective action has been our guiding star. It is in the spirit of partnership, in the union of our diverse voices, that we will trace the path forward. After all, we are the “United” Nations, and unity is at the core of our mission. The Pact for the Future and the Beijing+30 reviews underscore the urgent need for intergenerational, intersectional partnerships that reach across silos and unite us in the cause for gender equality.
Five years ago, we embraced the belief that unity sparks impactful and lasting change. What began as a vision blossomed into Generation Equality—a powerful, global movement.
Today, despite the shifting winds of policy and funding, we must ensure our commitment remains unwavering. Our collective leadership, accountability, and commitment to the work of Generation Equality will light the way for us and for all.
Together, we have made incredible strides. From historic resolutions on care and support, to the gender-transformative Global Digital Compact, to the creation of the UN Youth Office—we have shown that multistakeholder partnerships drive real change.
This year, we have a unique opportunity to build on our momentum. So let us amplify the power of partnerships to shape the global agenda, to accelerate the implementation of the Beijing+30 Action Agenda and to stay on track for the final years of the 2030 Agenda. Above all, let us create the future we want—one where every woman and every girl is empowered, is equal, and is free to thrive.
As UN Women, we remain your steadfast partner, and we remain also steadfast in our commitment to this work. We will continue to partner with each and every one of you, to bolster your efforts, and to champion the collective action that will deliver the change that every woman and every girl deserves. We will champion the change for all women and girls, everywhere.
Thank you.
