On Thursday 14 November, the IGC Secretariat and Permanent Mission of the Federal Republic of Germany to the UN and other International Organisations convened a South-South Dialogue bringing together experts, policymakers, and civil society leaders to reflect on progress toward gender equality in the lead-up to Beijing+30. The event focused on the role of South-South Cooperation in advancing Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG5) and explored strategies for achieving gender equality globally.
The event featured interventions from Karin Goebel, Minister-Counsellor for Economic Affairs at the Permanent Mission of the Federal Republic of Germany to the UN and other International Organisations in Geneva; H.E. Omar Zniber, President of the 18th Cycle of the Human Rights Council; H.E. Maira Mariela Macdonal Alvarez, Permanent Representative of the Plurinational State of Bolivia to the UN and other International Organisations in Geneva; and Martin Chungong, Secretary General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union and Chair of the IGC Global Board.
Speakers emphasised the indispensable role of gender equality in achieving sustainable development, noting that no society can fully prosper without it. They stressed the need for context-specific approaches, particularly in the Global South, where colonial legacies, cultural norms, and socio-political realities shape progress. The growing politicisation of gender issues in global forums, such as the Human Rights Council, was also highlighted, with calls for vigilance to safeguard the agenda.
Participants were invited to reflect on a series of guiding questions, designed to shape the discussions. These questions included topics such as the relevance of the Beijing Declaration to SDG5, the impact of colonial legacies on achieving gender equality, and the role of South-South Cooperation in addressing common challenges. Participants were also encouraged to share best practices and identify barriers that still hinder progress towards SDG5.
A recurring theme was the universal nature of gender equality as a non-negotiable objective. While starting points vary between countries, equitable representation in multilateral hubs, such as Geneva, was identified as a key driver of progress. Education was highlighted as transformative in dismantling gender norms and empowering women and girls, yet significant gaps in access remain. Participants reiterated the importance of inclusive and decolonised education in achieving long-term change.
Women’s active participation in decision-making, particularly in peace, security, and climate discussions, was seen as vital due to the disproportionate impact these challenges have on them. The discussion highlighted the importance of practical measures to enforce gender equality policies, such as those outlined in CEDAW’s General Recommendation 40 (GR40), alongside the urgent need for cultural shifts to dismantle patriarchal structures. Furthermore, the arts, media, and cultural institutions were noted as powerful tools for societal change.
The importance of South-South cooperation was another key point of discussion. Participants noted that countries in the Global North could learn from the experiences of the Global South in overcoming common challenges that negatively impact gender equality efforts, such as poverty and political instability. Multilateral bodies and fora, including the Human Rights Council, were urged to engage more actively with civil society, international agencies, and regional organisations to strengthen gender equality efforts.
The upcoming Beijing+30 review was recognised as a critical opportunity to renew commitments to SDG5 and address persistent barriers such as educational inequality and the digital gender divide. Empowering women through access to technology and fostering feminist leadership, particularly among youth, were highlighted as priorities for long-term progress. Overall, the event fostered meaningful dialogue on these critical issues, with participants expressing interest in continuing the conversation and exploring best practices to address gender equality in the context of climate action and sustainable development.