Marking the 30th anniversary of the 1995 Beijing Declaration on women’s rights, global leaders gathered to reflect on progress and persistent gaps.

The Declaration, hailed by António Guterres as the most ambitious political commitment on gender equality, has propelled advances in education, legal protections, and political representation.

Yet, UN Women warns that none of the gender-related Sustainable Development Goals are on track, with conflict affecting hundreds of millions of women worldwide.

Voices from survivors to advocates underscored a call for tangible leadership and funding for frontline women’s organisations, emphasising that lofty pledges must give way to accountability and justice.

Despite symbolic milestones—such as more women in parliament and greater educational attainment, the fight for genuine equality demands urgent reform, lest a generation inherit unfulfilled promises.