WM Foundation to co-host CSW69 side event

The 69th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) will take place at the United Nations Headquarters in New York from March 10 to 21, 2025. Representatives from UN member states, UN entities, and non-governmental organizations accredited by the Economic and Social Council are invited to participate.

The World Madam Foundation is actively engaging in this session and will co-host a side event on women's leadership in climate action in collaboration with the Permanent Mission of Senegal to the United Nations and the African Renaissance and Diaspora Network. The event will be held on March 13, 2025, with co-sponsorship from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW), and the Human Rights Institute at Southwest University of Political Science and Law (SWUPL).

The organizer has invited Her Excellency Amina J. Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, to attend the side event.

Background of the Conference

Adopted at the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing in 1995, the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action remains the most comprehensive global policy framework for achieving gender equality and advancing the human rights of women and girls. These visionary documents continue to serve as a guiding force for women's empowerment worldwide.

In 2025, the international community will commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women and the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. Recognized as the most progressive blueprint for promoting women's rights, the declaration also encompasses the Political Declaration** adopted at the 23rd Special Session of the UN General Assembly in 2000, which reviewed progress five years after its adoption.

Theme of the Conference

Review and appraisal of the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and the outcomes of the 23rd special session of the General Assembly : report of the Secretary-General.

Introduction to the Commission on the Status of Women

[Establishment] Established in 1946 in accordance with a resolution of the Economic and Social Council, it is one of the functional commissions of the United Nations Economic and Social Council.

[Main Functions] The Commission on the Status of Women is the main UN body dealing with women's issues. Its main responsibility is to promote gender equality in politics, economy, society and education, and to make recommendations and reports on urgent issues related to women's rights to the Economic and Social Council.

[Members] Members are elected by the Economic and Social Council based on the principle of regional distribution, with a total of 45 members, each serving a four-year term.

[Organizational Structure] It holds one meeting per year. During the intersessional period, the day-to-day affairs are handled by UN Women.

Event Overview

As the world commemorates the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (1995), this high-level side event at CSW69 will highlight the crucial role of women leaders in the fight against climate change.

Women, particularly those in Africa and the Diaspora, face disproportionate challenges due to climate change, including gender-based violence (GBV), food and water insecurity, displacement, and economic inequality. Despite these barriers, women are driving transformative solutions to build a more sustainable and equitable future.

Key Objectives

This landmark event will:

✔ Showcase Women’s Leadership – Highlight the contributions of women leaders from Africa and the Diaspora in climate action.

✔ Promote Cross-Sector Collaboration – Bring together policymakers, activists, and the private sector to share experiences and best practices.

✔ Address Gender-Based Violence & Discrimination – Develop actionable solutions to eliminate GBV and workplace discrimination.

✔ Advance Corporate Responsibility – Encourage companies to integrate gender-sensitive policies into climate strategies.

✔ Establish a Global Platform – Foster international dialogue to scale up women’s participation in climate leadership.

H. E. Ambassador Coly Seck, Permanent Representative of Senegal to the United Nations, emphasized the importance of inclusion: “Women in Africa and the Diaspora are leading solutions to the climate crisis. Their voices must be amplified at the highest levels.”

“Women must be at the forefront of climate action, not just as participants but as decision-makers,” said Dr. Djibril Diallo, President & CEO of ARDN. “This event will shine a light on their leadership and drive global solutions.”

“Empowering women is key to building a sustainable future,” said Ms. Anni Huang, President & Founder of the World Madam Foundation. “Through this event, we reaffirm our commitment to gender equality and climate action.”

Spotlight: The Red Card Campaign

A core focus of the event will be the Red Card Campaign, ARDN’s global initiative to combat gender-based violence and discrimination in workplaces and communities. The campaign works with the private sector to:

✅ Develop gender-sensitive workplace policies

✅ Conduct training and awareness programs

✅ Advocate for zero-tolerance cultures

✅ Use the Red Card as a universal symbol of commitment to gender equality

How to Participate

We invite all interested participants to join us for this critical dialogue on women’s leadership in climate action.

Media Participation & Contact Information

Members of the media are invited to cover this high-profile event featuring global leaders, UN representatives, and women changemakers at the forefront of climate action.