Inspired by the UN Secretary-General’s “Clarion Call for Gender Equality” issued at the Opening of the 69th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women, we, as International Gender Champions, reaffirm our commitment to break down gender barriers and promote gender equality and diversity at this critical time.
This is a year of milestones marking international commitments for gender equality: the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, the 25th anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security, and 10 years of Sustainable Development Goal 5. It is also the IGC’s own 10-year anniversary, where we recognise and celebrate over 800 leaders who have made personal and collective commitments to drive change within their spheres of influence and make human dignity and equal opportunity for all not just an aspiration, but a reality.
Anniversaries serve as powerful reminders of the progress we have made, but they also encourage us to reflect on the urgent work ahead and the courageous and creative leadership needed to prevent regress and ensure a peaceful, inclusive, sustainable and prosperous future. Going forward, we seek to unite our diverse expertise, resources, and perspectives, and strengthen collaboration amongst our over 320 active Champions - as well as welcoming new Champions, particularly from the private sector. Now is the moment to leverage social and technical innovations to push past incremental gains and drive much-needed progress. Guided by our core IGC values - trust, respect, fairness, and understanding - we continue to build safer, more equitable workplaces and communities.