"We are done talking". This statement by youth activist Shantel Marekera testifies to the spirit of optimism at the Generation Equality Forum Summit in Paris. States, civil society, the private sector, international organizations and activists reaffirm their commitment to gender equality - in line with the 2030 Agenda.
The Paris Forum (June 30-July 2, 2021) officially launches the Generation Equality Forum (opens in a new window), a global multi-stakeholder partnership initiated by UN Women and the governments of France and Mexico.
The summit is seen as a follow-up to the landmark Beijing World Conference on Women 26 years ago and took place at a politically high level. France's President Macron and Mexico's President López Obrador, together with UN Secretary-General Guterres and Executive Director of UN Women, Mlambo-Ngcuka, opened the forum, which was virtually attended by nearly 50,000 people from 150 countries.
The Generation Equality Forum marks a positive, historic shift in power and perspective. Together we have mobilized across different sectors of society, from south to north, to become a formidable force, ready to open a new chapter in gender equality.
A strong feminist agenda – the so-called Global Acceleration Plan (opens in a new window) – was announced and accompanied by financial commitments of USD 40 billion.
Ambitious actions address the elimination of gender-based violence, economic justice and rights, bodily autonomy and sexual and reproductive health and rights, climate justice, technology and innovation, and feminist movements.
Germany is participating under the leadership of the BMZ with the AA, BMFSFJ, BMAS and other departments. As a leading member of the Action Coalition "Economic Justice and Rights", Chancellor Merkel and Parliamentary State Secretary Flachsbarth announced Germany's contribution of EUR 240 million for women's economic empowerment. Among others a new German contribution of EUR 25 million for the continuation of the Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative (We-Fi) was released. Germany also contributes EUR 73 million to the prevention of gender-based violence and is involved in the new “Compact on Women, Peace and Security and Humanitarian Action”.
The forum acts as an inspiring momentum for achieving gender equality, which has been set back by the COVID-19 pandemic. Many trending topics and opportunities emerge from the kickoff of this momentous process.