China will host a Global Summit of Women in Beijing to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the landmark 1995 World Conference on Women, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun announced Monday. The event underscores China's growing role in advancing gender equality amid global efforts to achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
From Beijing Declaration to Global Collaboration
The summit builds on China's decade-long partnership with UN Women, including a 2015 New York event marking the Beijing Declaration's 20th anniversary. In 2020, President Xi Jinping proposed this 2025 gathering as part of China's commitment to women's development. Guo emphasized that with just five years remaining to meet SDG targets, the world faces both 'serious challenges and significant opportunities' in gender equality efforts.
White Paper Highlights Systemic Progress
The announcement followed China's release of a white paper detailing achievements since the Communist Party of China's 18th National Congress. The document outlines innovative policies supporting women's education, economic participation, and political representation, with female employment rates reaching 45% and women constituting 27% of national lawmakers.
Global Implications
'China is not only an advocate but an active actor in women's development,' Guo stated, highlighting plans to share policy frameworks on maternal health and anti-discrimination laws. The summit aims to foster international cooperation, with organizers expecting over 100 countries and regions to participate in crafting new strategies for women's empowerment.
