The recent high-level gathering at the United Nations marked a significant moment in the global commitment to gender equality, coinciding with the launch of the Beijing Plus 30 Action Agenda. Ambassador Bridal Aziz Alwasal of Saudi Arabia emphasized the importance of 2025 as a pivotal year, celebrating 25 years since the Beijing conference and the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on women, peace, and security.

During the meeting, Alwasal highlighted the progress made over the past decades, noting that more girls are in school than ever before and that women are increasingly breaking barriers in various sectors. He acknowledged the stronger laws against gender-based violence, attributing these advancements to the relentless efforts of women and feminist movements worldwide.

However, the ambassador also issued a stark reminder that millions of women and girls continue to face severe challenges, including armed conflict, gender inequality, and violence, often in their own homes. With only five years remaining to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), he called for urgent action to turn the tide toward gender equality, framing it not just as a matter of justice but as essential for broader societal progress and lasting peace.

The United Nations is committed to bold actions through initiatives like the Gender Equality Acceleration Plan, which aims to place gender equality at the forefront of all efforts. The six priority actions outlined in the Beijing Plus 30 Action Agenda serve as a roadmap for integrating women's needs into sustainable development and peacebuilding efforts.

As the meeting concluded, Alwasal urged member states to honor their commitments and work collaboratively to ensure that gender equality becomes a lived reality for women and girls everywhere. This call to action resonates deeply within communities, emphasizing the need for collective efforts to address the ongoing challenges faced by women and girls globally.