The General Secretariat (Social Affairs Sector – Women’s Department) convened on 17 February the Arab preparatory meeting for the 69th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), in collaboration with the Regional Office of the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women. This meeting was held on the sidelines of the 44th ministerial-level session of the Arab Women’s Committee, chaired by the State of Palestine and conducted via digital platform. The session witnessed the participation of Their Excellencies the Ministers, senior officials, and heads of national mechanisms responsible for women’s affairs across Arab states, alongside representatives of relevant regional and international organisations.
The preparatory meeting focused on deliberations concerning the draft Arab statement, which will be presented on behalf of the Arab Group by the representative of the State of Palestine during the opening session of the 69th CSW in New York. The statement, titled "Towards the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action +35," aligns with the Commission’s priority theme for the year: "Review and Appraisal of the Implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action +30." The upcoming session of the CSW is scheduled to take place from 10 to 21 March 2025 in New York.
Her Excellency Ambassador Dr. Haifa Abu Ghazaleh, Assistant Secretary-General and head of the Social Affairs Sector, commended the efforts of Arab nations in contributing to the sixth regional review of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action through the submission of 19 national reports. These contributions have significantly enriched the content of the Comprehensive Arab Report on Progress Made in Implementing the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action after Thirty Years, which will form part of the UN Secretary-General’s comprehensive report on the Beijing +30 Review.
In reaffirming the General Secretariat’s commitment to amplifying the international presence and advocacy for Arab women, Her Excellency underscored that the Social Affairs Sector – Women’s Department will organise a high-level side event under the auspices of the Arab Women’s Committee during the 69th CSW session. The event, titled "Women in Gaza: Rising for Freedom and Dignity," is set to take place on 11 March 2025 at the United Nations headquarters. The gathering will convene Their Excellencies the Ministers, heads and representatives of national women’s mechanisms from Arab countries, high-ranking officials from UN agencies, senior dignitaries, and a number of foreign ambassadors in New York.
Furthermore, the 44th session of the Arab Women’s Committee is set to address a range of pivotal issues concerning women's empowerment and their advancement at the Arab regional level. Discussions will encompass progress on the Women’s Development Agenda in the Arab Region 2023-2028, the implementation of the Women, Peace, and Security Agenda at the regional level, the impact of climate change, economic and social empowerment initiatives, and strategies to combat violence against women. Additionally, the session will explore avenues for enhancing regional and international cooperation in the pursuit of gender equality and women’s rights.
