ZONTA representing NGO CSW Vienna at UNECE Beijing +30 Regional Review in Geneva

From 21 to 22 October 2024, the Regional Review Meeting on Beijing +30 for the UNECE region (Europe, North America and Central Asia, including Russia, Türkiye and Israel) was held in Geneva. A delegation of NGO CSW Vienna, led by Zonta International UN Representative Sabine Peters, actively took part in the preparatory Civil Society Forum from October 19 to 20 and registered as observers for the following Regional Review Meeting of Member States.

Preparations for the Civil Society Forum started at the beginning of the year, with interactive online working groups working on the 12 areas of concern defined in the Beijing Declaration. Members of NGO CSW Vienna participated in the working groups “Violence against Women,” “Women and the Economy,” “Women and the Environment” and “Women and Health.” The aim was to work out achievements, gaps, challenges and recommendations for short-, medium- and long-term actions. Furthermore, for all of the areas of concern, round tables with ambassadors during the working phase and workshops for the Forum were prepared and organized. Results of that work, 1,000-word statements, background papers, videos and much more information can be found on the website of the Forum here. Members of NGO CSW Vienna worked as co-organizers of the workshops, and Sabine Peters, as leader of the delegation, delivered a statement in the closing panel.

During the Regional Review Meeting of Member States, civil society delivered statements on regional progress and challenges, including statements resulting from the Forum. Opening remarks from the UN, UN Women and IPU were about achievements and remaining gaps since the Beijing Declaration, including relations to the Agenda 2030 and the Pact of the Future. In the General Debate on “Key Trends on Gender Equality across the ECE Region,” Member States provided insight into developments in their countries. Feminist and youth groups submitted very critical comments, addressing backlash and demanding rights and participation. The following panels offered contributions of high-level experts on the topics: “Economic Empowerment,” “Leadership and Participation,” “Violence against Women,” “Financing for Gender Equality,” “Closing the Gender Gap” and “Implementation of the Beijing Declaration.” Civil society statements again addressed the lack of participation and safe environment, and the rising discrimination and violence.

Information on the Review Meeting can be found on the website here.

Sessions can watched on UNWebTV (22.10.24) | LINK 1 | LINK 2 | LINK 3 | LINK 4

5 JUNE 2026