High-Level Meeting on the Thirtieth Anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action: “Recommitting to, resourcing and accelerating the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action to achieve gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls”
Statement delivered by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Estonia H.E. Mr Margus Tsahkna
22 September 2025, New York
President of the General Assembly, Excellencies,
Thirty years ago, the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action gave the world its most ambitious and transformative vision for gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls. Together with the UN Security Council Resolution 1325 they remain milestones in advancing women’s rights and strengthening their role in decision-making.
For Estonia, gender equality is not only a question of fairness but a foundation for resilient democracy. It is also an important matter of foreign and security policy. Women’s full, equal, and meaningful participation is indispensable to achieving lasting peace and stability.
Estonia strongly believes that digital transformation can accelerate gender equality. Access to digital skills empowers women economically and politically, while safe online space protects their rights. Enhancing digital rights is also one of Estonia’s priorities as a candidate for the UN Human Rights Council for the 2026-2028 term.
Excellencies,
Despite progress in many parts of the world, we are witnessing alarming pushback against gender equality, especially in conflict zones. Crises in Afghanistan, Yemen, Sudan and elsewhere continue to disproportionately affect women and girls. Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine is causing immense suffering. This includes the use of conflict-related sexual violence and unlawful deportation of children as a tactic of war.
They remind us that women’s rights must never be taken for granted and that accountability must remain a priority for the international community. Estonia remains committed to working closely with women’s rights and civil society organizations, providing them with sustained support through strategic partnerships.
Madam President,
This year also marks the 80th anniversary of the UN, a reminder of what multilateral cooperation can achieve. The Beijing Declaration was a landmark achievement of multilateralism and instruments such as CEDAW and UN Women set binding standards supporting its implementation. Estonia stands ready to advance the Beijing+30 Action Agenda through stronger institutions, smarter resources and concrete commitments.
Gender equality must extend to the highest leadership levels. We welcome that the current President of the General Assembly is a woman and strongly encourage member States to nominate women candidates for the position of UN Secretary-General. True equality will only be achieved when women are fully represented at every level of decision-making.
Thank you.