Leading up to Beijing+30, Solidarity Inspires Stepped-Up Action for Gender Equality

In 2024, we have achieved so much with and for women and girls – and we will continue to do so much more. Our willingness to come together has never been so important, given the upsurge in global conflicts and crises and the backlash against women's rights around the world. Eighty-five percent of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5 on gender equality indicators are off-track and progress has stalled.

Heading into 2025, we are about to commemorate the thirtieth anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (Beijing+30). Adopted by 189 countries at the Fourth World Conference on Women in 1995, it is one of the most comprehensive blueprints for gender equality and women’s empowerment ever created. Beijing+30 offers a pivotal moment to join hands and take bold action. If we rise to the ambitions of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (BPfA), we will rise to SDG5 and all other SDGs, as gender cuts across over 20 per cent of global SDG indicators.

2025 is a year of potential. Potential to accelerate our commitments and actions for gender equality and women's empowerment. Potential to achieve a gender-equal world if we choose it. Potential to make a big step in delivering on the promises of the BPfA and ensuring that women and girls are powerful agents of change for a better future where everyone will thrive.