20250311
United Nations CSW69 Opening: BLIA Representatives Participated and Witnessed Global Gender Equality

The highly anticipated 69 th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69/Beijing+30) is being held from March 10 to 21 at the United Nations Headquarters New York. Venerable You Lin, Director of the BLIA World Headquarters UN NGO Office, led a delegation from the Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) New York, including BLIA New York President Jenny Chen, Directors Judy Chiang and Helen Leong, and member Fenella Kim to attend the opening ceremony.

The opening ceremony was uniquely designed, beginning with a musical performance and a short film. Inspired by the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, Saudi Arabian artist Corona and National Orchestra member Remas Al Roy delivered a moving performance. This was accompanied by a special conference-produced film, Sonic Journey of Women’s Empowerment, which created an engaging atmosphere and was met with enthusiastic applause from attendees.

In his speech, CSW69 Chair Abdulaziz M. Alwasil emphasized that this session would review the outcomes of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and the achievement of the United Nations General Assembly’s 23rd Special Session. He also highlighted current challenges, including poverty, labor rights, gender-based violence, climate change, peace and security, and the revitalization of youth participation in the Commission on the Status of Women. He stressed the need for all nations to fully promote gender equality and women's empowerment to achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are the core focus of this conference.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres, in his opening address, underscored that the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, adopted at the Fourth World Conference on Women in 1995, has established a global blueprint for gender equality. While progress has been made over the past 30 years, ongoing efforts remain essential. He stated, “The equality of women and girls is not just a human rights issue but also a key driver of economic growth, social stability, and sustainable development. We must ensure that every girl receives quality education and that women have equal job opportunities, thereby advancing societal progress.”

Bob Rae, President of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and Canada’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations added, “Gender equality is not just a goal—it is the foundation of a just and sustainable society. We cannot allow the progress we have made to be reversed. We must stand united and implement unwavering policies to ensure women have equal rights and opportunities.”

Additionally, UNICEF's global initiative POWER4Girls was launched during the meeting to expand support focusing on adolescent girls as in their rights, well-being, and leadership opportunities while influencing global development and humanitarian policies. Gea Brutigam, Germany’s Special Envoy for Feminist Foreign Policy, pointed out that gender inequality results in the loss of billions of dollars innovation potential in global economic. Therefore, Germany actively invests in girls’ education and leadership. She emphasized, “Investing in adolescent girls is one of the most forward-thinking decisions we can make.”

Ambassador Bob Rae further remarked, “If we do not support the development of young girls, they will not be able to reach their full potential, depriving society of countless opportunities for innovation and breakthroughs.”

During the meeting, BLIA representatives took the opportunity to invite participants from other countries to attend BLIA’s NGO CSW 69/Beijing+30 Forum parallel meeting, titled “Zhi Bin: A Journey of Lifelong Learning” on March 20 from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm at the United Nations Church Center (UNCC). Through the principles of Humanistic Buddhism, the parallel meeting aims to contribute to the learning and growth of women worldwide.