Blog by Pat Black, SI Advocacy Advisor
I followed the whole of the Opening Session of CSW, which was shorter than it has been in the past. As the Chair explained later, this Commission meeting is trying new methods of working intended to make it more efficient. This includes having the negotiations for the Agreed Conclusions well in advance, rather than continuing them throughout the meeting. This approach would free up contributors and others to become more engaged in the day-to-day activities of the Commission.
The long-awaited opening session of CSW70 began today with representatives of Member States, UN staff and agencies, as well as limited numbers from civil society, gathered in the UN General Assembly Hall.
Soroptimist International was present, represented by International President Renata Trottmann Probst and Director of Advocacy Berthe De Vos-Neven. There was also an overflow room available, and it was possible to follow proceedings on UN Web TV.
This session usually follows a long-standing procedure with a mixture of speeches and entertainment, but today it was a little more focused. As usual, it took some time for the meeting to be called to order and begin. I have never yet known one to start on time!
Opening Addresses and Key Messages
The opening speech was delivered by the Chair, H.E. Ms. Maritza Chan Valverde (Costa Rica), representing the Latin American and Caribbean States Group. She recognised that many women were not able to be present today because of various barriers. She said that we were all present because we share the same vision for women and girls and must continue to press for progress.
Consultations had been held with Member States over the last month, with new recognition and language agreed, especially in relation to digital issues affecting women and girls. She noted that this would send a clear roadmap to the world through the adoption of the agreement.
H.E. Ms. Maritza Chan Valverde described how, during CSW70, new ways of working would be implemented, including a High-Level Session on violence against women and girls.
She said that at a time when the world is facing multiple challenges, and the UN itself is looking at reform, the Commission on the Status of Women is proud to have been able to contribute.
“Progress will not be reversed.”
“Promises we make here should be translated into action.”
“The time to honour that commitment is now.”
She then introduced the UN Secretary-General, who outlined the ways in which justice is necessary for women and girls:
• Justice for sustainable development – Afghanistan demonstrates injustice in practice
• Justice as the foundation for peace – “impunity fuels brutality”
• Justice for the human rights of women is vital
• Justice is essential for an inclusive digital future
• Justice is essential for climate action – “climate justice and gender justice go hand in hand”
He said he was proud that women now make up half of the UN workforce, while recognising that this milestone had come 80 years too late. He promoted the proposed unification of UN Women and UNFPA as a positive step forward, although many NGOs, including Soroptimist International, are strongly opposed to this and do not see a positive outcome for women.
He expressed his sadness that this would be his final time at CSW, but said that whatever he goes on to next, he will continue to promote gender equality and support women and girls in the future.
Reflections on the Wider Discussion
This was followed by speeches from the Chair of ECOSOC and the President of the General Assembly, who said she was proud to be the first woman to hold that position, supporting the women who have advanced development over the years and who continue to press for change despite pushback.
Further speakers included the Chair of CEDAW, the Chair of the Working Group on Women and Girls, the Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG), and representatives of youth and civil society.
I was impressed by the courage and forthrightness of some of these speakers, who raised points that many Member States might not have been comfortable with. These included:
• The global network of violence and abuse against women and girls revealed through released papers in one particular Member State
• The lack of responsibility by some Member States in not paying their contributions to the UN, putting programmes for women and girls in danger
• The way in which some Member States are attempting to roll back the human rights of women and girls
Some further positive comments which struck me included:
• “Progress is not impossible – it is a political choice.”
• “Why are we still not delivering when we know what has to be done?”
• “Justice cannot be a prisoner of geography.”
• “CSW is a beacon of multilateralism.”
The full session, including all speakers, can be found on UN Web TV in the recorded programmes.
CSW70 continues throughout the week, and if you are not in New York you can follow the main sessions of the Commission, as well as many side events, on UN Web TV.
