Over the past 30 years since the Beijing Declaration, a landmark agreement on women’s rights, women have gained ground in politics, education, and legal protections. Yet, recent policy shifts threaten these advances, particularly in gender education, reproductive rights, and LGBTQ+ freedoms, underscoring the urgent need to safeguard progress.
The 69th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) comes at a critical time. As gender equality faces renewed challenges, global dialogue and strong alliances are essential to counter setbacks and sustain progress.
Why do cities matter for gender equality?
Cities play a crucial role in shaping gender equality. As the spaces where most people live, work, and engage with their communities, urban environments influence women’s safety, economic opportunities, and decision-making power.
Policies on transportation, housing, and public services directly impact women’s mobility, security, and inclusion. Gender-responsive urban planning ensures cities serve everyone equitably. Evidence shows that when women are involved in designing urban spaces, the result is safer, more accessible, and more inclusive communities.
For 25 years, Cities Alliance has been working to make cities more inclusive, with gender equality at the core of its efforts. Through projects worldwide, it has upgraded informal settlements, improved infrastructure, and created safer public spaces, bringing meaningful change, especially for marginalized women in informal settlements, facing economic exclusion and unsafe environments.
Cities Alliance's at CSW69
At CSW69, Cities Alliance will engage with global leaders, civil society, and policymakers to highlight the importance of inclusive urban planning in keeping gender equality central to global agendas.
The conference offers a platform to exchange ideas, strengthen partnerships, and advocate for policies that protect and advance women’s rights in cities. Without sustained effort and collective action, hard-won progress could be reversed. Cities Alliance remains committed to inclusive urban development, creating cities where women can thrive.
Programme (NYC time / EDT).
Maria Fernanda Espinosa, President of Cities Alliance
Monday, 10 March
- 11:30 - 12:45 30 Years of women's political participation. Towards full parity: Organised by the Republic of Slovenia Permanent Mission to the UN and Club de Madrid, this side event will reflect on 30 years of progress and explore strategies to advance women’s political participation globally, driving momentum for inclusive governance and the Beijing Declaration’s vision. Learn more.
- 17:00 - 18:30 Women in multilateralism 2025 report presentation: GWL Voices will present the 2025 Women in Multilateralism Report, focusing on women’s leadership in global health and trends among female UN Permanent Representatives. Experts will discuss key findings and governance reforms. Register.
Tuesday, 11 March
- 08:30 - 10:00 Women in politics: Challenges to gender parity in subnational governments in Latin America: This dialogue organized by GLW Voices, UCLG and others, will address the underrepresentation of women in local politics, explore barriers they face, and discuss strategies to increase their participation in decision-making. Invitation only.
- 15:00 - 16:30 Mujeres con la voz bien alta (Women speaking loud and clear): Hosted by the Government of Spain, this event tackles the global conservative wave and efforts to silence feminist voices through disinformation and violence, reaffirming Spain’s commitment to free expression. Register.
Wednesday, 12 March
- 10:00 - 12:00 How can the leadership of women and girls help save our cities and planet?: Sponsored by the Permanent Mission of Nigeria and key partners, this session will examine how women and girls in cities drive climate action, with insights from WUF12, SDG 5 localization, and feminist urban movements. Register.
- 16:00 -18:15 Addressing 21st century challenges to gender equality: Beijing+30: Hosted by Columbia/SIPA, GLW Voices and others, this event will highlight the Beijing Conference’s transformative impact, feature young activists and share lessons from world leaders on advancing gender equality. Register.
Tuesday, 18 March
- 13:15 - 14:30 Women Rise for All - Turning hope into action: Hosted by UN initiative Women Rise for All, this event will showcase the impact of women’s leadership, promote intergenerational collaboration, and drive commitments to uphold the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. Register.
Giulia Maci, Senior Urban Specialist, Programme Manager Euro-Mediterranean region, Cities Alliance
Wednesday, 12 March
- 16:00 - 17:30 Bridging generations: Feminist municipalism for present and future leaders: Organised by UCLG, this session explores how intergenerational dialogue sustains feminist movements by reshaping governance, advancing local feminist policies, and empowering youth to challenge patriarchal structures.
Thursday, 13 March
- 08:30 - 10:00 Financial literacy and promotion of better social inclusion for women and youth: Organised by Global Thinking Foundation, this event will explore how financial and digital health systems drive economic empowerment and social inclusion, creating ecosystems where women and youth can thrive. Register / Livestream.
- 11:00 - 12:30 Gender-responsive infrastructure for women's safety and inclusive climate resilience: Co-hosted by UNOPS and Cities Alliance, This discussion will focus on how gender-responsive infrastructure enhances climate resilience, improves women’s safety, and fosters inclusive urban development. Learn More / Register.
