A Vision for Women’s Empowerment and Global Cooperation
Five years ago, I proposed a global leaders’ meeting on women. Today, I am pleased to see this gathering taking place in Beijing to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women and discuss ways to promote the global women’s cause.
On behalf of the Chinese government and people, I extend warm congratulations on the opening of the Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women.
Women have played a crucial role in creating, promoting, and carrying forward human civilization. The international community shares a responsibility to advance the cause of women. Thirty years ago, the Fourth World Conference on Women set the goal of “Action for Equality, Development and Peace,” adopting the landmark Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. Gender equality has since become a central theme in our times, inspiring the world in its pursuit of that goal.
Over the past three decades, guided by the spirit of the Beijing World Conference on Women, the cause of women has flourished globally, adding brilliance to the progress of human civilization. Equality between men and women is now a universal consensus among nations. It has been included in the United Nations development agenda and priority targets, with 189 countries ratifying the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women.
The environment for women’s livelihood and development has steadily improved. Over 1,600 laws on women’s rights and interests have been enacted by more than 190 countries, and many nations have developed national action plans to improve women’s well-being. Progress in women’s empowerment has been significant, with education levels rising and women playing an increasingly important role in economic, political, cultural, and social affairs.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite these achievements, complex challenges still hinder the all-round development of women. Globally, over 600 million women and girls are affected by war and conflict, while around 10% live in extreme poverty. Deep-rooted issues such as violence, discrimination, and the gender digital divide persist, making equality between men and women a lofty yet challenging task.
Looking ahead, we must rededicate ourselves to the purpose of the Beijing World Conference on Women, building greater consensus, broadening paths forward, and taking more concrete actions to accelerate the new process of women’s all-round development. To this end, I propose four key initiatives:
1. Foster an Enabling Environment for Women’s Growth
All-round development requires peace and tranquility. We must uphold the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable security, safeguarding world peace so that all women can enjoy happiness and avoid the shadow of war. We need to enhance protection for women and girls in conflict zones, support their roles in conflict prevention and rebuilding, and improve mechanisms against violence, cracking down on all forms of violence against women.
2. Cultivate Momentum for High-Quality Development
Modernization should involve and benefit women. We must address imbalances in women’s development globally, enabling them to share the benefits of economic globalization. Seizing opportunities from the scientific and technological revolution, we can empower women through innovation. Supporting their role in green development will help them shine in this era of modernization.
3. Develop Governance Frameworks to Protect Women’s Rights
Improving institutions and laws, introducing tangible policies, and channeling resources to all women are essential. We must create an inclusive environment free from discrimination and support women’s participation in political affairs. Promoting gender equality as a shared value is crucial.
4. Promote Global Cooperation on Women
Women are vital in reforming global governance systems. We must support their historic responsibilities, enabling them to play a substantive role in global governance. Supporting the United Nations (UN) in addressing the needs of women in developing countries and fostering cooperation platforms will help women thrive together.
China’s Contributions and Future Commitments
In China, the cause of women has been integral to the nation’s modernization efforts. Historic achievements include winning the largest battle against poverty, lifting 690 million women out of poverty, and reducing maternal mortality by nearly 80% since 1995. Today, women in China hold up half the sky in economic and social development, contributing significantly to the workforce, entrepreneurship, and sports.
China actively supports the global women’s cause through various initiatives. These include the International Day for Dialogue Among Civilisations, the Prize for Girls and Women’s Education, and public welfare projects like “maternal and child health” and “happy campuses.” Under frameworks such as the Belt and Road Initiative, China promotes international exchanges and cooperation on women.
To further support the global cause of women, I announce the following commitments:
China will donate $10 million to UN Women over the next five years.
Allocate $100 million in the Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund for women and girls’ development projects.
Launch 1,000 “small and beautiful” livelihood programs prioritizing women and girls.
Invite 50,000 women to China for exchange and training programs.
* Establish a Global Centre for Women’s Capacity Building to train more female talent.
As an ancient Chinese saying goes, “Steadfast dedication yields an enduring fragrance.” Standing at this new historic starting point, let us carry forward the spirit of the Beijing World Conference on Women, bear in mind the goal of a community with a shared future for humanity, and jointly create a better future for the human race.
