30 Years On: Beijing Set to Lead Global Women’s Conference

Beijing to Host Global Leaders' Meeting on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment

In a world where gender equality continues to be a critical issue, Beijing is poised to serve as the epicenter for discussions and action as China prepares to host the much-anticipated Global Leaders’ Meeting on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment later this year. This significant event is expected to spark renewed efforts toward advancing women’s rights and create momentum for a more inclusive and equitable global society.

The conference will bring together an array of global leaders, policymakers, and advocates who will address key issues surrounding women’s development and gender equality. This occasion marks a crucial moment in the worldwide movement aimed at closing the gender gap and fostering a world where women have equal access to opportunities in education, health, economy, and politics.

The announcement of this pivotal meeting was made by China’s Foreign Minister and a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, Mr. Wang Yi, during a press conference on China’s foreign policy and external relations, held at the Third Session of the 14th National People’s Congress.

This meeting's timing is symbolic, as it coincides with the 30th anniversary of the historic Fourth World Conference on Women, which took place in Beijing in 1995. This conference resulted in the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, which has since been a cornerstone document in global efforts for gender equality.

"Thirty years ago, Beijing witnessed the world’s women rallying for gender equality. This year, Beijing will once again host global leaders as we address vital issues affecting women’s development," said Mr. Wang Yi. "We hope to see more women living fulfilling lives and realizing their aspirations."

Over the last three decades, China has shown unwavering commitment to promoting gender equality, both domestically and internationally. Gender equality has been enshrined in China’s national policy, with the government implementing action plans and policies aimed at advancing women's development. These include improving access to quality education and healthcare, increasing employment opportunities, and enhancing women’s political participation.

Domestically, China has celebrated the accomplishments of countless women who have made significant contributions to the country's modernization and socio-economic growth. Programs targeting poverty alleviation have notably lifted nearly 100 million people out of poverty since the 18th CPC National Congress in 2012, with women making up approximately half of those benefiting from these initiatives.

Internationally, China has forged strong partnerships with global organizations to advance women’s rights. Notable collaborations include working with UN Women, contributing to UNESCO's Prize for Girls' and Women's Education, and supporting more than 100 maternal and child health projects in developing countries. China has also provided training to over 200,000 women from more than 180 countries, positioning itself as a key player in global gender equality efforts.

Ms. Chen Ming Jian, China’s Ambassador to Tanzania, emphasized the importance of the upcoming event, stating, "China has always valued the development of women’s rights. Over the years, we have ensured women have access to equal, high-quality education, equal employment opportunities, and economic advancement alongside national development."

She highlighted the crucial role Chinese women have played in poverty reduction and sustainable development, echoing the famous phrase, "Women hold up half the sky." Furthermore, Ms. Chen noted that many Chinese women have actively contributed to poverty alleviation, exemplifying their significant role in building a better society.

Reflecting on her visit to the Secretary-General of the 1995 Beijing World Conference on Women, Dr. Amb Gertrude Mongella, also known as "Mama Beijing," Ms. Chen spoke of the shared objectives between China and Tanzania in advancing women's causes. She called for deeper cooperation between the two countries to ensure inclusive and equitable development for women.

"We welcome Tanzania to participate in the meeting, as together we can push forward the development of international women’s rights," Ms. Chen added.

The upcoming Global Leaders’ Meeting is more than just another summit—it is expected to serve as a dynamic platform for exchanging ideas, sharing best practices, and forging commitments to elevate women’s roles across every sector. Key discussions will likely address improving education for girls, ensuring women’s health and safety, expanding economic opportunities, and increasing political representation.

Moreover, the meeting will explore innovative strategies for tackling entrenched gender inequalities, alongside creating frameworks to support sustainable development goals tied to gender equality. The goal is to produce tangible outcomes that inspire meaningful change and strengthen global initiatives to build societies where women can flourish without facing barriers.

As the event draws closer, anticipation is building globally. Advocates, policymakers, and civil society groups hope the gathering will ignite new commitments and lead to groundbreaking initiatives addressing urgent gender-related issues. Many are looking to Beijing to once again be the stage for transformative dialogue and actionable steps to advance women’s rights globally.

The conference has the potential to serve as a catalyst for governments to introduce policies and programs that uplift women, particularly those in vulnerable or underrepresented communities. In this way, the Beijing meeting is expected to reflect on the progress made since the 1995 conference while identifying the remaining challenges and opportunities to accelerate gender parity worldwide.

The upcoming Global Leaders’ Meeting will undoubtedly echo the legacy of the 1995 World Conference on Women. At that time, the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action emerged as a beacon of hope and progress, inspiring nations to adopt policies supporting gender equality. Now, as we mark the 30th anniversary of this historic moment, the world looks to Beijing once again for leadership and inspiration.

China’s active role in hosting this event underscores its ongoing commitment to advancing women’s rights and fostering a more equitable world. By providing a platform for open dialogue and cooperation, China honors its own achievements while contributing to the global movement for gender equality.

The Global Leaders’ Meeting on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment, set to take place in Beijing, is expected to be a milestone event in the ongoing global effort to champion women’s rights. Bringing together diverse voices from around the world, this meeting will help build momentum toward a future where every woman and girl can live with dignity, freedom, and opportunity.

As global leaders convene to discuss strategies for a gender-equal future, the spirit of progress initiated in Beijing 30 years ago will undoubtedly resonate, making the event not just a celebration of past achievements but a platform for future generations of women to realize their dreams and contribute to a better world for all.