ECOSOC Youth Forum Plenary Meeting: SDG 5
Statement by Evaliis Läll, the Estonian United Nations Youth Delegate
15 April 2025
Distinguished delegates, esteemed colleagues,
Despite the progress over the past century, we are far from achieving gender equality: two billion women and girls worldwide lack access to any form of social protection, including unemployment benefits, pensions, and healthcare.
As we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a landmark framework for achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls globally, it is essential to reflect on progress while tackling the persisting inequalities. Women continue to face discrimination in various forms, including gender pay gap, limited access to education, denial of sexual- and reproductive health and rights, and gender-based violence. Addressing these challenges requires collective effort. This includes active and meaningful engagement of young persons in decision-making processes, policies, and programs that affect their lives.
To create a meaningful change, we must take a holistic approach and use media, public campaigns, and education to challenge stereotypes and negative social norms, promote gender equality and engage men and boys as allies and agents of change.
Estonia is tackling the challenges strategically. “Estonia 2035” is a national development plan, which strategic goals contribute to eliminating gender inequality. Estonia stands for gender equality in a comprehensive list of areas, ensuring a better tomorrow for children and young persons. Esteemed Youth Delegates and government representatives, let’s work together to achieve sustainable development goals, including gender equality.
Thank you!
