2024-07-07 07:56:49
Held in a hybrid format, the 68th session of the Commission focuses this year on the theme “Accelerating the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls by tackling poverty and strengthening institutions and financing for gender equality”.
The United Nations Commission on the Status of Women is the principal global intergovernmental body dedicated exclusively to the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of women. The CSW is a functional commission of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) established by Council resolution 11 of 21 June 1946.
Speaking on the occasion, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres spoke of the “devastating” impact on women and girls from the increasing conflicts and crises around the world.
Noting that despite the enormous progress made over the years, patriarchy “is far from being defeated,” Mr. Guterres noted that this phenomenon is “regaining ground.”
For him, accelerating the achievement of equality between men and women and the empowerment of all women and girls requires, in particular, sufficient financing and adequate policies.
“Budgets and policies must follow, with ambitious targets for women’s participation and urgent investments in women’s peacebuilding,” he urged.
Referring to the “threat” posed by new technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, to women’s rights, the senior UN official stressed that male-dominated algorithms could literally program inequalities into activities ranging from urban planning to credit assessments to medical imaging.
“It is time for governments, civil society and Silicon Valleys around the world to join in a massive effort to close the gender digital divide and ensure women have decision-making roles in digital technology at all levels,” Mr. Guterres urged.
The current session of the Commission on the Status of Women (11-22 March) will feature a general discussion, ministerial round tables, and interactive and side events.
The event is attended by representatives of Member States, United Nations entities and ECOSOC-accredited non-governmental organizations (NGOs) from all regions of the world.
The discussions will examine measures and investments that can end women’s poverty and advance gender equality.
2024-07-07 07:56:49