Beijing: As world leaders and senior officials gather in Beijing for the Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women from Monday to Tuesday, Irina Bokova, former UNESCO director-general, called for renewed commitment to gender equality and voiced hope that China would continue to play a leadership role in this global endeavour.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Bokova emphasized the critical importance of recommitting to gender equality amid global challenges such as economic uncertainty, climate crises, conflicts, and deepening inequality. She expressed her thoughts in a written interview with Xinhua ahead of the high-level gathering.
The summit marks the 30th anniversary of the landmark 1995 World Conference on Women, also held in the Chinese capital, which adopted the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. As a delegate to the 1995 conference, Bokova highlighted its groundbreaking role in emphasizing the significance of women in conflicts and crises, which paved the way for the UN Security Council’s adoption of Resolution 1325 on women, peace, and security in 2000.
Bokova praised the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action as a ‘turning point’ that recognized the ‘full potential of women and girls’ as ‘a powerful and essential component of successful, sustainable development.’ She reflected on China’s past role as a model for its future efforts, noting her witnessing of China’s leadership in the adoption of these major United Nations documents.
She also highlighted China’s recent progress in advancing gender equality, citing the white paper China’s Achievements in Women’s Well-Rounded Development in the New Era, which showcases ‘major progress’ in promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment. Bokova noted China’s achievement of near gender parity in higher education.
Despite such advances, systemic inequalities worldwide continue to hinder the full participation, leadership, and empowerment of women and girls, Bokova observed. Globally, 10 percent of women remain in extreme poverty, over 600 million women and girls live in conflict-affected areas, and violence, discrimination, and economic inequality persist. Additionally, climate-related stressors like floods, droughts, and extreme heat are worsening, with women often the first to feel the impact.
In light of these challenges, Bokova expressed her hope that the Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women will ‘reconfirm the Beijing Platform’s commitment as well as UNSC Resolution 1325, and once again prioritize the link between women, peace, and security.’ She reiterated her belief in the conference’s purpose and her hope that China will continue to play a leadership role in areas requiring political commitment, solidarity, and action.