By Joseph Mason SI Advocacy and Communications Coordinator
As the 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) came to a close at UN Headquarters in New York, Member States, civil society, and stakeholders reflected on progress, challenges, and renewed commitments to gender equality. Soroptimist International extends its sincere thanks to our delegates and members for their valuable participation, advocacy, and engagement throughout this year’s session.
A United Opening
The Chairperson opened the closing session of CSW69 by acknowledging the collaborative spirit and tireless efforts that had brought the session to a successful conclusion. He congratulated the facilitators, especially Robin de Varil and the Vice Chair from the Kingdom of the Netherlands, for leading the negotiations on the multi-year programme of work. With no objections raised, the Chair confirmed the adoption of the draft resolution and welcomed statements from several delegations. His message was one of unity and shared responsibility, noting that “The responsibility of implementing the outcomes of this session do not rest on the shoulders of any single party. Rather, it requires the collaboration and joint efforts of all individuals, states, international organisations, civil society organisations, academia, and stakeholders.”
Member States Respond to the Political Declaration
Following the formal adoption of the Political Declaration, member states took to the floor to express their support, share national perspectives, and in many cases, highlight reservations. A large number of countries welcomed the Declaration as a reaffirmation of commitment to the Beijing Platform for Action and gender equality, while others voiced disappointment over the exclusion of specific language—particularly references to sexual and reproductive health and rights, the role of women in families, and multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination. Some states, including Colombia, Canada (on behalf of the MOUNT group), Tonga, and Brazil, emphasised the importance of inclusive, intersectional approaches. Despite the diversity of views, the shared commitment to advancing women’s rights, even amid challenges, echoed across many statements.
“Let No One Underestimate What Was Achieved”: UN Women’s Closing Reflections
Sima Bahous, Executive Director of UN Women, delivered powerful closing remarks that captured the spirit and ambition of the session. She praised the political declaration as both a “commitment and a challenge,” noting, “Let no one underestimate what was achieved here at this CSW and the impact it will have on the lives of women and girls.” She highlighted the milestones of the week, including record participation and unprecedented energy: over 13,000 participants, more than 5,800 NGO representatives, and 2,003 side events.
Reflecting on the importance of unity, she declared, “Whatever the headwinds, the United Nations is still the place where consensus can be found on gender equality.” Bahous also honoured the resilience of women in conflict, particularly in Gaza, calling for peace and recognition of their rights. Her final call to action underscored the urgency: “Change is long overdue. We have been promised it too long, and it is there now to be grasped.”
Looking Back, Looking Forward: Final Words from the Chair
In his final remarks, Chair Ambassador Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia thanked all those who contributed to the session’s outcomes and emphasised the need to maintain momentum. “We must proceed forward with the same ambition of the Beijing Declaration 30 years ago,” he said, while recognising that progress remained “deeply fragile.” He praised civil society for its continued activism and urged that the multi-year programme of work serve as the foundation for the next five years. Reflecting on his term as Chair, he expressed pride in the consensus reached and reiterated a shared commitment: “To achieve gender equality, the rights and the empowerment of all women and girls, today and tomorrow.”
Launching CSW70 with a Call for Bold Leadership
The first meeting of CSW70 was held immediately after the close of CSW69. Her Excellency María del Rocío Solís of Costa Rica was elected Chair, opening the session with a bold vision for the year ahead. She stressed the urgent need for intentional action, particularly around gender parity in leadership. “Eight years of uninterrupted masculine leadership [at the UN] is no coincidence. It’s intentional,” she said, calling for the appointment of a woman as the next UN Secretary-General. Looking ahead, she reaffirmed Costa Rica’s commitment to driving progress: “The UN needs women and girls as much as women and girls need the UN.”
Thank You
As we look ahead to CSW70, we would like to say a huge thank you to all Soroptimists who attended CSW69, both in person and online! Your commitment in every way —writing blogs, attending events, and speaking on key issues—helped amplify our collective voice for gender equality. Together, we make a difference!