In 2025, the global community will commemorate the thirtieth anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women and the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (1995). As part of this significant milestone, the sixty-ninth session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) will take place at the United Nations Headquarters in New York from 10 to 21 March 2025.
This forum comes immediately after the world celebrates International Women’s Day on the 8th of March.
CSW69 serves as the UN’s largest annual gathering on gender equality and women’s empowerment, bringing together representatives of Member States, UN entities, and ECOSOC-accredited non-governmental organizations (NGOs) from across the world. This historic session will review and appraise the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, assess emerging challenges, and outline a roadmap to accelerate progress toward gender equality and the empowerment of women in alignment with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Key Themes and Objectives
The main focus of CSW69 will be the review and appraisal of the progress made in implementing the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and the outcomes of the 23rd special session of the General Assembly. This evaluation will provide a comprehensive assessment of existing challenges affecting gender equality, identify innovative strategies for overcoming setbacks, and ensure that all stakeholders remain committed to achieving sustainable progress.
Bureau Leadership
The Bureau of CSW69 plays a vital role in preparing for the session and ensuring its successful execution. The Bureau members include:
- H.E. Mr. Abdulaziz M. Alwasil (Saudi Arabia) – Chair, Asia and Pacific States Group
- H.E. Ms. Maritza Chan Valverde (Costa Rica) – Vice-Chair, Latin American and Caribbean States Group
- Ms. Robin Maria de Vogel (Netherlands) – Vice-Chair Designate, Western European and Other States Group
- Ms. Dúnia Eloisa Pires do Canto (Cabo Verde) – Vice-Chair, African States Group
- Ms. Nataliia Mudrenko (Ukraine) – Vice-Chair, Eastern European States Group
Participation and Delegations
CSW69 will bring together thousands of participants, including government representatives, civil society organizations, experts, and activists. High-level officials such as UN Secretary-General António Guterres, UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous, and UN General Assembly President Philemon Yang will participate in the opening session.
NGOs play a crucial role in shaping CSW discussions by presenting research, sharing lived experiences, and advocating for policies that advance gender equality. ECOSOC-accredited NGOs will participate in side events, panels, and consultations with UN leaders to drive global commitments toward the Beijing+30 Action Agenda.
CSW69 Key Events and Highlights
CSW69 Global Youth Forum
Date: 9 March 2025
Time: 2:00 – 6:30 PM ET
Description: A dialogue equipping youth advocates with strategies to influence CSW69 discussions and drive accountability in the implementation of the Beijing+30 Action Agenda.
Opening Ceremony
Date: 10 March 2025
Time: 9:45 – 11:30 AM ET
Description: A high-level event featuring statements from the UN Secretary-General, UN Women’s Executive Director, and the Chair of CSW. The session will also include the adoption of the Political Declaration reaffirming global commitment to gender equality.
POWER4Girls: Invest in Girls, Transform the World
Date: 10 March 2025
Time: 11:30 AM – 12:45 PM ET
Description: A side event focusing on the progress and challenges for girls’ rights since the Beijing Declaration. A new joint report by UNICEF, Plan International, and UN Women will be presented, along with the launch of a global initiative to advance adolescent girls’ rights.
Ministerial Roundtable on Digital and Financial Inclusion
Date: 12 March 2025
Time: 11:30 AM – 12:45 PM ET
Description: Co-hosted by the Government of India and UN Women, this session will highlight the importance of digital and financial inclusion in empowering women and promoting economic autonomy.
UN Secretary-General’s Townhall with Civil Society
Date: 11 March 2025
Time: 10:00 – 11:00 AM ET
Description: A 75-minute consultation between the UN Secretary-General and women’s civil society groups, moderated by UN Women Executive Director, Sima Bahous. The session will be webcast live.
Beijing+30 Stamps Reveal Event
Date: 11 March 2025
Time: 6:00 – 7:00 PM ET
Description: UN Women and the Permanent Mission of Chile, in collaboration with the UN Postal Administration, will unveil a commemorative stamp series celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration.
Women Rise for All: Turning Hope into Action
Date: 18 March 2025
Time: 1:15 – 2:30 PM ET
Description: Convened by UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed, this event will feature women leaders from various sectors to discuss the transformative impact of women’s leadership on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Conclusion
CSW69 marks a defining moment in the global pursuit of gender equality. As the world reflects on three decades of progress since the Beijing Declaration, it is crucial to renew commitments, mobilise resources, and implement actionable strategies to create a more inclusive and equitable future for all women and girls. Through multilateral collaboration, strategic partnerships, and unwavering advocacy, CSW69 will serve as a powerful platform for driving sustainable change and advancing women’s rights worldwide.
For additional details, live updates, and event streaming, visit UN Web TV or follow UN Women’s official channels.
Written by Dr. Florence Omisakin
