As crises around the world become more interconnected, global spaces like the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and the upcoming Summit of the Future (SOTF) are more critical than ever.
These forums bring together diverse voices — from feminists and youth activists to political leaders and decision-makers — to tackle the complex issues driving gender inequality.
Whether it’s defending bodily autonomy, addressing the climate crisis, or resisting authoritarianism, collaboration in these spaces is key to advancing narratives for social change and setting global goals and standards that lead to lasting solutions.
This year, UNGA and SOTF offer a crucial opportunity to shape the Post-2030 Agenda — the global agreements that will succeed the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As the SDG deadline approaches, it is essential that the voices of girls, women, and gender-diverse people are fully embedded in key outcomes of these spaces, including the Pact for the Future, which has received alarmingly limited civil society input and needs a stronger focus on human rights, sexual and reproductive health and rights, and gender equality.
We are deeply concerned about the current direction of the SOTF process. Without stronger efforts to elevate the voices of the global majority, the summit risks falling short. But we can overcome these challenges if we act now to:
- Reclaim civic space: Ensure global spaces are more accessible, representative, and transparent by upholding feminist and anti-colonial principles.
- Unite feminist movements: Bring together feminist movements and gender equality advocates to co-create progressive narratives that shape a more just future.
- Ensure representation in outcome documents: Work to ensure that issues most important to girls, women, and gender-diverse people are fully reflected in SOTF outcomes and the Post-2030 Agenda.
Now is the time to ensure those most affected by gender inequality are heard, shaping a future where every girl and woman has full control over her body and life.
