Chairman of Economic and Social Council (ECOSCOC), Bob Rae chaired the meeting. “The importance of affirming the full equality of women and girls is an official commitment of the United Nations, but it is also a personal commitment that we must champion,” he said. .
Mr. Rae urged the young audience to “be a voice” to create change in the world. “You have to talk. You must stand up. You must care. You must challenge sexism, hatred and discrimination, wherever and however you find it,” he said.
This year’s theme,“Girls’ vision of the future”, highlights the urgent need for action driven by the voices of girls globally.
Recent failures
“The potential of more than 1.1 billion girls in the world is limitless,” Mr. Guterres said. message to mark the Date.
“But as we get closer to the 2030 deadline for Sustainable development goals (SDGs), the world continues to fail girls.”
Today’s generation of girls is disproportionately affected by global climate crises, conflict and poverty that threaten their lives, limit their choices and limit their futures. Also, move on SDG 5 about gender equality being in danger.
Education and child marriage
According to the report, globally, 119.3 million girls are out of school and 39% of young women do not complete high school. United Nations Women. United Nations educational and cultural agency UNESCO shared earlier this month that the global cost of this learning gap could reach $10 trillion by 2030.
Meanwhile, child marriage remains an important issue. The girl born today will be 68 years old before child marriage was abolished. In 2024, 4.7 million babies will be born to mothers under 18 years of age and of these, about 340,000 will be born to girls under 15 years of age, according to United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA).
Digital divide and technology risks
With more than 90% of jobs having a digital element, one billion girls and women lack the skills needed to fully participate in the job market. Closing the digital gender gap and addressing the risks girls face online is critical to ensuring their full participation in education, the economy and public life. people. “Girls must feel safe both online and offline,” said activist Beatriz Fino Morfogen.
theGlobal Digital Compact andPact for the futureoffers a unique opportunity to break down barriers in science, technology and innovation while ensuring that gender equality is embedded in digital strategies.
Young girls study at a center in Bol in Chad.
Agency for female students
“Girls had a vision of a world where they could thrive. What they need now is for their voices to be heard and their ambitions supported,” Mr. Guterres said.
In March 2025, United Nations Commission on the Status of Womenwill evaluate progress made in implementing theseBeijing Declaration and Platform for Actionan important agreement on gender equality, adopted nearly 30 years ago.
“The girls’ courage, hope and determination are a strength to behold. It is time for the world to step up and help turn their vision and aspirations into reality,” the UN chief concluded.
