Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News
PARIS, Oct. 13 (Xinhua) — As world leaders and senior officials gather in Beijing for the Global Women's Summit (October 13-14), former UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova called for a renewed commitment to gender equality and expressed hope that China will continue to play a leading role in this global cause.
“At a time of economic uncertainty, climate crises, conflicts and deepening inequalities, a commitment to gender equality is critical to building a just and sustainable future,” she said in an exclusive written interview with Xinhua ahead of the summit.
The summit coincides with the 30th anniversary of the historic 1995 World Conference on Women, also held in Beijing. The conference adopted the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.
I. Bokova, who attended the 1995 conference, noted that the forum was a turning point—it highlighted the role of women in conflicts and crises and paved the way for the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on women, peace, and security in 2000.
She also praised the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, calling them a “turning point” that led to the recognition of “the full potential of women and girls as a powerful and essential component of successful and sustainable development.”
Noting China's role in the past as an example for future efforts, I. Bokova said: “I have witnessed China's leading role in the adoption of these key UN documents.”
She highlighted China's recent successes in promoting gender equality, citing the white paper "China's Achievements in All-Round Development of Women's Affairs in the New Era," which reflects "significant progress" in advancing gender equality and women's empowerment.
China has achieved near-complete gender parity in higher education, she said.
However, I. Bokova added, systemic inequalities around the world continue to hinder the participation, leadership, and self-realization of women and girls.
Globally, 10 percent of women still live in extreme poverty, more than 600 million women and girls live in conflict-affected areas, and violence, discrimination, and economic inequality persist, she noted. Furthermore, climate-related threats such as floods, droughts, and extreme heat are worsening, with women often feeling the impact first.
In light of these challenges, I. Bokova expressed hope that the Global Summit for Women “will reaffirm the commitment to the Beijing Platform for Action and UN Security Council Resolution 1325 and will re-emphasize the link between women, peace, and security.”
“I believe that this is the purpose of this summit, and I hope that China will continue to play a leading role in many areas where political will, solidarity and action are needed,” she concluded. –0–
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.