2025 marks the thirtieth anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. It’s a pivotal time to fight for women’s and girls’ rights, demand gender equality and insist on balancing power structures so everyone has an equal chance in the world.
Thirty years ago, the world pledged "equality for all" in Beijing. Yet, today, for many women and girls around the world, this remains elusive. Ahead of International Women’s Day, a new progress report of the UN Secretary-General released by the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women), titled Women's Rights in Review 30 Years After Beijing, points to an uneven trajectory to secure women’s rights and full participation in all aspects of society.
The energy and infrastructure sector is often the economic engine driving a country’s journey towards sustainable and inclusive development. For Albania, investing in and expanding sustainable energy and resilient infrastructure is key to its long-term vision.
Social justice in action means dismantling systemic barriers, equipping workers with future-ready skills, and ensuring every voice – especially women, youth, and marginalized communities – is heard in the global economy. UN Country Teams, led by Resident Coordinators, have been at the forefront of championing social justice as a fundamental pillar for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In the foothills of the Accursed Mountains in Kosovo, where nature and tradition intertwine, two women have turned their passions into resilient livelihoods.
AI has gone from the stuff of science fiction to a powerful force that is transforming our world. Reshaping the way we live, work, and interact. Fueling breakthroughs in education, healthcare, agriculture…But also testing our shared values and rights. The power of AI carries immense responsibilities.
Mangrove forests are a unique wetland ecosystem often found where land and sea meet. They act as carbon sinks, absorbing significant amounts of carbon dioxide and also help in protecting shorelines from erosion, acting as natural storm barriers. However, deforestation, illegal logging, and climate-induced changes have threatened their survival. Recognizing the importance of mangroves, the United Nations is working with national authorities, communities and other partners to support initiatives that aim to restore and protect these critical habitats.
Communities in the Kavango West region of northern Namibia, particularly women and girls, are facing the worst drought in a hundred years. The UN in Namibia under the leadership of the Resident Coordinator has been leading the charge to ensure women and girls are not left behind in tackling the impacts of climate change.
Africa’s energy landscape presents a paradox. Despite being rich in renewable resources, the continent grapples with one of the lowest levels of energy access globally. As the UN deputy chief pointed out, nearly 600 million Africans lack access to electricity, making it essential to leverage the continent’s abundant renewable energy resources and critical minerals.
The world continues to grapple with unprecedented challenges but there are reasons for cautious optimism in 2025, urged UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
