The United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68) recently concluded, and UNESCO emerged as a leading voice in the fight for gender equality, poverty eradication, and institutional strengthening. UNESCO, along with its partners, shed light on critical issues facing women globally and charted a course for a more inclusive future.
UNESCO’s side event, “Eliminating Poverty: Structural Interventions through Education, Culture, and Sciences,” tackled the interconnectedness of gender equality, poverty reduction, and robust institutions. Experts, policymakers, and stakeholders from various sectors explored how UNESCO is fostering:
- Gender-responsive budgeting in education: This approach ensures equitable funding allocation throughout education levels.
- Women in science for environmental action: Empowering women in scientific fields allows for the crucial inclusion of their knowledge in tackling climate challenges.
- Indigenous women’s economic empowerment through cultural heritage: Investment in living heritage crafts and traditions can create economic opportunities, particularly when co-created with local communities and private entities.
- Combating gender bias and violence in AI: Studies like “Bias Against Women and Girls in Large Language Models” highlight the need for diverse development teams and ethical frameworks to prevent bias in AI technology.
The event highlighted the global education crisis faced by girls, particularly in developing countries. Experts called for more funding specifically for girls’ education and fairer financing methods.
Discussions stressed the unequal impact of climate change on women and the importance of including their voices in environmental research and decision-making. The event also addressed gender bias in AI, urging for diverse development teams and ethical frameworks to ensure inclusivity and prevent AI-facilitated violence.
UNESCO’s participation at CSW68 showcased its multifaceted approach to women’s empowerment. From promoting equal education to advocating for women’s roles in science and climate action, UNESCO is working towards a future where women and girls are not just included, but empowered to lead the way for a sustainable and just world.
