CSW69 to Mark 30th Anniversary of Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action

Marking the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration, CSW69 will gather global leaders at the UN to review progress, address challenges, and advance gender equality and women’s empowerment worldwide.

1/26/20252 min read

NEW YORK, January 25, 2025 (WSH) — The sixty-ninth session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) will convene at United Nations Headquarters in New York from March 10 to 21, 2025, bringing together representatives of Member States, UN entities, and accredited NGOs from across the globe. This year’s session is of special significance as it commemorates the 30th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women and the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action in 1995.

A Review of Progress and Challenges

The primary focus of CSW69 will be a comprehensive review and appraisal of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, one of the most progressive blueprints for advancing gender equality and empowering women worldwide. The session will assess the progress made, persistent challenges, and emerging barriers to achieving its goals. It will also evaluate how these efforts align with the broader objectives of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

National governments are tasked with conducting thorough reviews at the national level to identify achievements and gaps. These findings will feed into regional intergovernmental meetings and ultimately inform the discussions at CSW69.

Global Participation and Themes

Delegations from Member States, along with representatives of NGOs and civil society organizations, will engage in discussions on the status of gender equality and women’s empowerment. Key themes include addressing current challenges that impede progress, strengthening strategies for implementation, and examining the interconnections between gender equality and sustainable development.

Leadership and Bureau Members

The Bureau of CSW69, which plays a pivotal role in preparing for and ensuring the session's success, includes representatives from across the globe:

  • Chair: H.E. Mr. Abdulaziz M. Alwasil (Saudi Arabia)

  • Vice-Chairs:

    • H.E. Ms. Maritza Chan Valverde (Costa Rica)

    • Ms. Robin Maria de Vogel (Netherlands)

    • Ms. Dúnia Eloisa Pires do Canto (Cabo Verde)

    • Ms. Nataliia Mudrenko (Ukraine)

Their leadership will guide the session’s deliberations and facilitate impactful outcomes.

Looking Ahead: Renewed Commitment to Equality

The thirtieth anniversary of the Beijing Declaration is a moment to reflect on the achievements of the past three decades and renew commitments to gender equality and women’s empowerment. With active participation from governments, regional commissions, and civil society, CSW69 aims to address gaps in implementation and craft strategies to overcome emerging challenges.

As the global community gathers in New York this March, the session is expected to reaffirm the spirit of Beijing+30, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts to achieve a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable world for all.