On Wednesday, the UN launched a bold new action agenda to boost rights and achieve gender equality.

The UN launched the plan at a high-level event on the sidelines of the ongoing Commission on the Status of Women 69th session at UN headquarters in New York.

In a video message delivered by UN deputy secretary-general Amina Mohammed, she called 2025 a year for 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. With just five years left to achieve the SDGs, this must be our turning point to succeed in our aspirations to achieving gender equality,” she said.

According to her, the agenda has adolescent girls and young women at its core and also focuses on financing gender equality and mobilising gender data.

“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 for achieving gender equality and advancing women’s rights,” stated Ms Mohammed.

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. 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. 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, and climate justice.

High-level UN officials launched the new action agenda as the Commission continues its 69th session (CSW69) – the world’s largest conference on women – from March 10 to March 21.

The overarching goal is to build on the UN 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 (SDGs) by 2030.

(NAN)