30 Years of the Beijing Declaration on Women's Rights: Achievements, Obstacles, and the Way Forward

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Victoria Fernandez

September 22, 2025 Women

In the three decades since the adoption Beijing Declaration on the Rights of WomenWhile significant progress has been made globally, women and girls continue to face unacceptable levels of violence and discrimination. At the current session of the General Assembly, UN delegates are taking stock of this achievement and highlighting the significant challenges that remain.

The assigned tasks are not being accomplished?

Ahead of a high-level meeting on gender equality, UN Women and the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs warned that all gender equality targets may not be met by the deadline.

Their report, "Gender Outlook 2025," states that 10 percent of women live in extreme poverty, and 351 million women and girls could remain so in 2030. Approximately 708 million women are unemployed due to unpaid domestic and care work. Many of those who are employed work in low-wage sectors. Women in several countries lack access to land, financial services, and decent jobs—denying them the conditions they need to thrive.

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According to the report, violence against women and girls persists: one in three women will experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime. Furthermore, 676 million live within 50 kilometers of a conflict zone—the highest number since the 1990s. In some countries, hard-won rights are being curtailed, and civic space is shrinking.

However, it is important to remember the breakthrough that was the Fourth World Conference on Women, held in Beijing in 1995, and why it is considered one of the most important milestones in advancing gender equality.

It was then that it was adopted Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action – a plan that includes measures in key areas such as poverty alleviation, education, violence, the situation of women in armed conflict and participation in decision-making.

The governments of 189 countries unanimously declared that equality between women and men is a matter of human rights and an indispensable condition for achieving social justice, as well as a necessary and fundamental condition for development and peace.

Today, the world has more extensive legal protections for women and girls: 193 countries have adopted 1,583 laws combating gender-based violence, compared to only 12 countries in 1995. Police in over 100 countries undergo special training to support women victims of violence.

In the workplace, laws prohibiting gender discrimination have expanded significantly, strengthening women's economic independence. New services have emerged to reduce the burden of unpaid housework, and gender gaps at all levels of education are narrowing.

In the area of peacebuilding, there are 112 national plans on Women, Peace and Security in force worldwide, compared to 19 in 2010.

The price of progress

At a high-level event on 22 September, representatives of Member States, civil society organisations, academic institutions and the private sector will discuss how to accelerate the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and find resources for the necessary measures.

For UN Women, investing in women is investing in society as a whole: if governments take action now, extreme poverty among women could be reduced from 9.2 percent to 2.7 percent by 2050, generating $342 trillion for the global economy.

Read also:

30 years since the Beijing Declaration: Gender equality has not yet been achieved

However, the call for more resources to achieve equality comes at a time when countries are cutting funding for both these initiatives and data collection efforts. Only half of women's ministries and gender equality institutions have sufficient resources.

According to Sarah Hendricks of UN Women, it's a question of political will, where systems prioritize war over rights and equality. "We live in a world that spends $2.7 trillion a year on weapons, yet can't find $320 billion to advance and achieve gender equality and women's rights," she emphasized.

Another century of inequality?

A high-level meeting on gender equality opens Monday at UN headquarters under the chairmanship of Annalena Baerbock, who was elected President of the UN General Assembly in early September, becoming only the fifth woman to hold this post in the 80-year history of the Organization.

Following the high-level week, Baerbock will also chair the election of a candidate for the post of UN Secretary-General, who will take office in 2027. Despite increasing pressure from many countries and organizations, the post has never been held by a woman.

Globally, women remain excluded from power and decision-making: they hold only about 27 percent of parliamentary seats and 30 percent of leadership positions. 113 countries have never had a female head of state. If the pace of progress continues, achieving gender equality in leadership will take another century.

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The UN Secretary-General expressed concern about the deteriorating situation in El Fasher, Sudan.

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September 21, 2025 Peace and security

The UN Secretary-General expressed deep alarm over the rapidly deteriorating situation in El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur. El Fasher has been under siege for over 500 days, and attacks on civilians have intensified in recent weeks. Most residents of the nearby Abu Shouk camp for displaced persons have reportedly fled after incessant shelling and raids.

"The fighting must stop immediately," he said. Antonio Guterres.

He also reiterated his call for the protection of civilians and for humanitarian organizations to have safe and unhindered access to people in need.

The UN chief stressed that it is also necessary to guarantee the safety of civilians who wish to leave the city voluntarily.

Guterres called on both sides to urgently engage in dialogue and return to negotiations on a long-term political solution.

As noted in the Secretary-General's statement, his personal envoy for Sudan, Ramtane Lamamra, stands ready to support efforts to end the conflict and "build the inclusive political process that the people of Sudan demand."

Attack on the mosque

The Secretary General's warning came after an attack on a mosque in El Fasher on Friday, which reportedly left dozens of civilians dead during morning prayers.

The UN humanitarian coordinator in Sudan, Denise Brown, said she was "deeply shocked" by the attack, stressing that international humanitarian law requires the protection of religious sites.

"Deliberate attacks on religious buildings also constitute a war crime. This attack, allegedly carried out by the Rapid Reaction Force, must be investigated and those responsible brought to justice," she said in a statement.

Humanitarian disaster

Civilians continue to suffer as a result of the conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Intervention Force (RIF), which has been ongoing since April 2023. The fighting has claimed thousands of lives and forced millions to flee their homes.

The situation in El Fasher and surrounding camps has only worsened since famine was recorded there last year, the UN notes.

The threat of ethnically motivated violence is growing as Rapid Action Force fighters advance deeper into the city.

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September 21 is International Alzheimer's Awareness Day.

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September 21, 2025 Healthcare

Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, accounting for 60–70 percent of all cases. Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia are the seventh leading cause of death worldwide.

September 21 is International Alzheimer's Awareness Day. It is held with the support of the WHO. The goal of the day is to draw attention to this serious problem.

According to the WHO, Alzheimer's disease is most prevalent in low- and middle-income countries, which have the least capacity to cope with this burden.

Due to the accelerating aging of the population, the incidence of dementia, and Alzheimer's disease in particular, is expected to rise rapidly. This increases the burden on healthcare systems and leads to significant economic losses.

Alzheimer's disease leads to a loss of independence. The costs of caring for the sick are enormous, according to the WHO.

It is impossible to completely prevent Alzheimer's disease, but you can reduce your risk of developing it, particularly by monitoring your condition and leading a healthy lifestyle.

There is currently no cure, but there are methods that help slow its progression and alleviate symptoms.

The WHO calls for research to better understand prevention options. The same risk factors associated with heart disease, cancer, and diabetes can often also increase the risk of developing dementia, and Alzheimer's disease in particular.

The WHO also notes the need to train medical personnel who can detect the disease at early stages.

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International Day of Peace: Youth voices at the center of UN global campaign

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Evgeniya Kleshcheva

September 21, 2025 Peace and security

Today, September 21, the UN celebrates International Day of PeaceEach year, the United Nations invites us to pause and reflect on how each of us can contribute to building a more just and secure future.

In the lead-up to Peace Day and the opening of the High-Level Week, roundtable discussions were held at the Organization's headquarters in New York, where university students and schoolchildren shared their thoughts on what peace means – and what actions the younger generation can take.

"The most important thing for us is to find peace within ourselves so as not to create more violence, because violence only begets more violence. Death begets death, and the cycle continues. Each of us plays a role in breaking this cycle," Isaiah Sohn, a political science student at Lehigh University, told the UN News Service. He explained that the path to peace lies through empathy and the ability to see the humanity in others.

"It starts with simple things: the ability to show empathy, the willingness to see others as people, not enemies, the recognition that everyone has weaknesses and mistakes, but no one is completely bad. When we recognize our common humanity, it becomes possible to build peace—together," he explained.

Peace is an achievable goal

United Nations News Service

Ibtihal Ghassem, who studies international relations and political science, added: "For me, peace is a goal we can and should all strive for, although there is a misconception that peace is a utopia. It is believed that complete peace is impossible to achieve. But it is precisely this belief that holds us back."

According to her, personal growth is impossible without the support of society, just as society cannot develop without the contribution of each of us.

“Peace can be sought everywhere – in our personal lives, in our studies, on university campuses, in our families, or among friends,” she explained.

Students emphasize that when we learn to support and inspire each other, small steps turn into big changes, and this is how a culture of peace is born.

"Hear us"

Today, the "Hear Us. Act Now for a Peaceful World" initiative is being launched at UN Headquarters in New York. Its goal is to create more space for the voices of the younger generation. People under 30 make up half the world's population, yet their role in peacebuilding is often undervalued.

The campaign, organized by the UN in collaboration with partners and youth organizations, will continue throughout the year. As part of the initiative, representatives of different generations are currently participating in the "Circle of Peace" in the media area at UN Headquarters. The event brings together young activists and world leaders for a frank conversation about how to overcome mistrust, polarization, and disunity.

Bold actions

This year the theme of the Day is – "Act now for peace".

In his message, the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres He emphasized that the global situation demands urgent and bold action. "Our warring planet cries out for peace. This year, on International Peace Day, each of us must heed this call," he said.

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Top Stories | Friday: Jordan/Israel, Iran, Palestine, Law of the Sea

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September 19, 2025 UN

The main news of the day at the UN and around the world: the murder of Israelis on the border with Jordan, the Security Council decision on the sanctions regime against Iran, the General Assembly resolution on the participation of Palestinian representatives, the agreement on marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdictions.

Attack on the Jordan-Israel border

The UN Secretary-General strongly condemns the attack at the border crossing between Israel and Jordan. Yesterday, two Israelis were killed by a Jordanian truck driver carrying humanitarian aid destined for Gaza. The UN chief emphasizes the need for humanitarian and impartial assistance efforts. He called on all parties to facilitate the rapid and unimpeded passage of humanitarian supplies along all routes, as well as to exercise maximum restraint and avoid actions that could further escalate tensions.

Sanctions against Iran

UN Security Council could not pass the resolution, which proposed blocking the restoration of sanctions against Iran. If the international community fails to reach an agreement on this issue within the next ten days, sanctions will be reinstated on September 28. As a reminder, on August 28, the foreign ministers of France, Germany, and the United Kingdom sent a letter to the Security Council notifying the activation of the "rapid response mechanism" provided for in the 2015 nuclear deal. Sanctions are then to be reinstated within 30 days. Today's draft resolution was an attempt to block this scenario.

Participation of Palestine in the UN General Assembly

UN General Assembly adopted a resolution, concerning "the participation of the State of Palestine in the work of the 80th session." Specifically, Palestinian representatives are given the opportunity to speak via video link in the General Assembly hall or at any high-level event. The document was adopted with 145 votes in favor; five countries, including the United States, voted against, and six abstained. Previously, the United States, as the host country for UN bodies, revoked the visas of Palestinian officials before the opening of the 80th session of the General Assembly.

Marine biodiversity

Today, the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea reached the required number of ratifications for entry into force. The UN Secretary-General welcomed this historic achievement, noting that the agreement establishes binding rules for the conservation of marine biodiversity, the equitable sharing of benefits from it, the establishment of protected areas, and the advancement of science.

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The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution on the participation of Palestinian representatives in the work of its session.

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September 19, 2025 International law

The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution on Friday resolution, concerning the "participation of the State of Palestine in the work of the 80th session." Specifically, Palestinian representatives who were denied U.S. visas are given the opportunity to speak via video link in the General Assembly hall or at any high-level event. The document was adopted with 145 votes in favor; five countries, including the United States, voted against, and six abstained.

The US is against

Speaking before the vote, US Representative Jonathan Schreier said: "The US opposition to this resolution should come as no surprise. The Trump administration has made it clear: we must hold the PLO [Palestinian Liberation Organization] and the Palestinian Authority accountable for failing to fulfill their obligations under the Oslo Accords."

He stressed that the Palestinian side “is not a reliable partner in the peace process” and also called for an end to “attempts to internationalize the conflict through judicial campaigns, including appeals to the International Criminal Court and International Court of Justice, and efforts for unilateral recognition of a hypothetical Palestinian state."

China on "isolation of the United States"

China's Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Geng Shuang, called the US position "unbalanced." "The United States has long maintained an unbalanced position on the Palestinian issue, consistently resisting efforts by the General Assembly and the Security Council to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza and covering up the occupying power's flagrant violations of international law," the diplomat noted.

He recalled that the day before, the United States had once again blocked a Security Council resolution on Gaza, using its veto for the eighth time since the conflict began in October 2023. "Today's vote results once again exposed the United States' rude and unjustified decision and its isolation in the international community," the diplomat emphasized.

Palestine's reaction

Palestine's Permanent Representative to the UN, Riyad Mansour, thanked most countries for their "crystal clear position," drawing attention to the obligations of the host country under the UN Headquarters Agreement, in particular regarding the issuance of visas.

“Agreeing or disagreeing with the host country on individual issues does not give it the right to abuse its powers by depriving us of the opportunity to obtain visas and personally participate in work with other delegations on issues of importance to the international community, including the Palestinian issue,” Mansour said.

Visa situation

The vote took place amid a challenging visa situation: the United States, as the host country for UN agencies, revoked the visas of Palestinian officials before the opening of the 80th session of the General Assembly. The session's general debates, as a reminder, will take place on September 23–27 and September 29.

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The UN Security Council failed to prevent the return of sanctions against Iran.

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September 19, 2025 Peace and security

On Friday morning, the UN Security Council failed to adopt a resolution that would have blocked the restoration of sanctions against Iran. If the international community fails to reach an agreement on this issue within the next ten days, sanctions will be reinstated on September 28.

The resolution proposing not to impose sanctions was supported by four delegations (Algeria, China, Pakistan and Russia), while nine countries (Denmark, France, Greece, Panama, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, Somalia, the United Kingdom and the United States) were against it, and two – Guyana and South Korea – abstained.

As a reminder, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action on Iran's nuclear program was adopted in 2015 following lengthy negotiations involving China, France, Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom, the United States, the European Union, and Iran itself. The Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2231 (2015), endorsing the JCPOA.

The deal provided for restrictions on Iran's nuclear program in exchange for the lifting of previously imposed sanctions. The agreement included a so-called "rapid response mechanism" for sanctions should the parties deem Iran to be in default.

On August 28, the foreign ministers of three countries – France, Germany, and the United Kingdom – sent a letter to the Security Council notifying them of the activation of the "rapid response mechanism" provided for in the 2015 nuclear deal. Sanctions are then to be lifted within 30 days. Today's resolution, which the Security Council rejected, was an attempt to block this scenario.

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Azerbaijan: IAEA ensures nuclear safety at Formula 1 races for the first time

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September 19, 2025 Peace and security

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is providing nuclear safety support at a Formula 1 race for the first time. The Grand Prix kicked off in Baku today, September 19.

IAEA experts previously visited the capital of Azerbaijan, where they, along with specialists from France and the UAE, consulted with the event organizers and discussed the use of more than 100 radiation monitoring devices.

"Major events are prime targets for criminals, including those potentially using nuclear and other radioactive materials," emphasized IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi. "By expanding our nuclear security support to the fast-paced world of motorsport, we are expanding our vigilance, helping countries close critical gaps and ensure public safety."

Elena Buglova, Director of the IAEA's Department of Nuclear Safety and Security, reiterated the agency's systematic work: "Over the past two decades, the IAEA has been at the forefront of integrating nuclear safety protocols into traditional public events—efforts that ensure the safety of millions of people," she said. "Behind the scenes, events like Formula 1 racing have a consistent approach that recognizes nuclear safety as a fundamental part of the overall package of measures before and during the events themselves."

The IAEA previously supported Azerbaijan at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) and will continue to cooperate with the country during the CIS Games in November and the World Urban Forum in 2026. Since 2004, the agency has supported the nuclear safety of 88 major events in 49 countries; in 2023, the Nuclear Safety Training and Demonstration Centre in Seibersdorf, Austria, opened.

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Afghanistan: Earthquake's Long-Term Impact on Women and Girls

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September 19, 2025 Humanitarian aid

Women and girls affected by the devastating earthquake in Afghanistan require additional support from the international community, UN Women announced on Friday.

“Although the aftershocks have mostly ended, without providing emergency assistance "Women in the affected areas will face a long-term crisis," Susan Ferguson, UN Women's special representative in Afghanistan, said at a briefing in Geneva.

The work of lifeguards

According to Ferguson, one of the rescuers supported by the agency described how she had to navigate mountain slopes, "dodging falling rocks every time there was an aftershock." Another woman who joined rescue teams with the organization's support noted that women in the affected areas had no other way to ask for help, as they were forbidden from speaking to men.

Rescuers had to traverse extremely difficult terrain, often on foot, to reach the most remote communities in Kunar province. At least 2,200 people died when homes built on steep slopes collapsed at midnight on August 31.

Large-scale losses

Following her meeting with women living in tents in central Kunar province, Ferguson noted that they will soon need more secure shelter as temperatures begin to drop.

These women left their village in the middle of the night when an earthquake occurred"After walking for hours to find temporary shelter," she said. "They told us they didn't know the fate of their loved ones, many of whom were still trapped under the rubble. They had lost their homes, their livelihoods, and their sources of income. As one woman put it, 'Now we have nothing.'"

The role of women in humanitarian efforts

Humanitarian response after disaster complicates ban by de facto authorities, which came into force on September 5, on the employment of Afghan female staff and contractors in UN offices in Kabul.

"Nevertheless, women and men involved in the humanitarian response can still work in earthquake-affected areas. And this is truly crucial, something that, incidentally, has been acknowledged as such by the de facto authorities themselves," explained a UN Women representative.

Read also:

The Night the Mountains Tremble: A Doctor's Story on the Front Lines in Afghanistan

Women and girls accounted for more than half of those killed and injured in the disaster. They also account for 60 percent of those missing. Many survivors continue to live in tents or outdoors.

Aid priorities

The priority for humanitarian agencies remains medical assistance to the victims, including finding a sufficient number of women who will be able to provide services to local residentsIn some areas, cultural norms meant women were reluctant to be touched by men, and men, in turn, were reluctant to touch women during rescue efforts, Ferguson said.

The destruction of basic infrastructure has increased the risk of violence, with women and girls forced to walk longer distances to find toilets or water, putting them at risk of attacks and landmines.

"In their everyday lives, in this cultural context, these women already face a difficult daily struggle to survive while trying to support their families," Ferguson emphasized. "Now, in the chaos of the earthquake, it will be even more difficult for them to feed their children and find a safe place to live."

According to satellite data analyzed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), more than 649,000 tons of debris still need to be removed—40,500 trucks would be needed to remove this volume of waste. An estimated 23,000 people have been displaced from their homes.

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The UN chief called on world leaders to turn the tide amid a "global crisis."

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September 19, 2025 UN

Ahead of the UN General Assembly High-Level Week, the Secretary-General addressed world leaders, warning that the "global crisis" – by which he means war, climate change, inequality and technological risks – requires urgent and coordinated action.

“We are facing a global crisis: conflicts are multiplying, and geopolitical differences are preventing their effective resolution,” he said. Antonio Guterres in an interview with the United Nations News Service conducted by Melissa Fleming, Director of the Department of Global Communications.

There is a feeling of impunity – each country believes that it can do whatever it pleases

"A sense of impunity has emerged – every country believes it can do whatever it pleases," the UN chief noted. "Meanwhile, developing countries are facing enormous challenges. Many are drowning in debt, unable to access the soft financing needed for economic recovery. Inequality is growing."

The need for global cooperation

The Secretary-General stressed that the UN seeks to mobilise international cooperation across a range of areas.

"Climate change is unchecked," he said. "We are receiving multiple signals indicating that it will be extremely difficult for us to achieve the main goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius (the threshold set by the 2015 Paris Agreement – editor's note)."

The Secretary-General warned that while emerging technologies have significant potential, they can increase polarisation in society and fuel hatred, so regulation is needed that "preserves human agency and makes technology a force for good."

António Guterres noted that the upcoming General Assembly session should lead to countries making commitments in key areas, including reducing emissions, reforming the international financial system and strengthening multilateralism.

The UN chief called on world leaders to "turn the tide" and support reform of the global financial architecture for greater justice and equality.

Focus on the Middle East

Peace and security issues will also be at the center of discussions at the General Assembly session. The Secretary-General expressed hope for clear international support for a two-state solution to resolve the conflict between Israel and Palestine, as well as for immediate action to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

The carnage taking place in Gaza must stop.

"The carnage taking place in Gaza must stop," he stressed. "We need an immediate ceasefire and the immediate release of all hostages."

During the interview, António Guterres also drew attention to Sudan and other "forgotten conflicts," calling on the Security Council to stand united in preventing further suffering.

"I am determined"

Guterres assured that his commitment to combating climate change remains unchanged.

"Every country must present a new climate plan that includes drastic emissions reductions. This is necessary to avoid a state of irreversibility that would lead to a catastrophe of colossal proportions for people around the world," the Secretary-General said, noting that the most vulnerable countries, including small island states and Africa, face disproportionate risks.

“I’m neither an optimist nor a pessimist – I’m determined,” António Guterres said at the end of the interview. “We must remain hopeful and not give up until we achieve our goals.”

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