As global conflicts intensify and climate challenges mount, the pursuit of gender equality has never felt more urgent. In a recent episode of Leaders Talk, CMG’s Zou Yun sat down with Christine Arab, UN Women’s Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific, to unpack the outcomes of the Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women held in Beijing on the Chinese mainland from October 13–14.
Reflecting on the 30 years since the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, Arab applauded the strides made in education access, health outcomes, and economic empowerment across the region. "The pace of change is accelerating," she noted, highlighting how policy reforms and public–private partnerships are creating new pathways for women entrepreneurs, innovators, and community leaders.
Yet, gaps remain. According to regional insights shared by UN Women, while female school enrollment is at an all-time high, workforce participation and leadership representation lag behind global benchmarks. Arab stressed the need to tackle digital divides, close the gender pay gap, and elevate women’s voices in climate resilience planning.
China’s partnership with UN Women was front and center at the Beijing summit. Arab commended the Chinese mainland for reaffirming its commitment to women’s empowerment and underscored areas for deeper cooperation—especially around tech skills training, rural development, and safe migration for women digital nomads.
Looking ahead to the UN 2030 gender equality goals, Arab urged leaders to unite around three pillars: visionary leadership, inclusive policy, and shifting societal perceptions. Echoing a timeless embrace of gender equity, she reminded listeners that "women hold up half the sky," calling on young global citizens, entrepreneurs, activists, and travelers alike to champion change in their communities.
Reference(s):
Exclusive with UN Women Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific
cgtn.com
