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UN CSW70 Opens in New York; BLIA Members Join Global Discussion on Women’s Rights

The 70th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70) opened in New York on March 9. This year’s session centers on the theme “Ensuring and strengthening access to justice for all women and girls,” focusing on issues such as judicial justice and the elimination of discrimination. 

The Opening Ceremony of CSW70 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, brought together representatives from governments, UN agencies, civil societies, and non-governmental organizations from around the world.  Members of the Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) also attended, joining global representatives in advocating for women’s rights and gender equality.

Attendees from BLIA included Venerable You Lin, Director of the BLIA United Nations Office; Venerable Neng Xian and Venerable Ming Hua from the New York Temple; Jenny Chen, President of the BLIA New York Association; along with several BLIA members. 

This year’s session priority theme was on ensuring and strengthening justice for all women and girls by promoting inclusive and equitable legal system and eliminating discriminatory laws, policies, and structural barriers. The session also reviewed the theme of women’s full and effective participation in public life and decision-making, and the elimination of violence against women and girls, for achieving gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls.

The Opening Ceremony began with a performance of the song “Fearless” by American singer Michelle Williams, using music to convey courage and hope while encouraging women and girls to remain confident and steadfast in the face of challenges.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres noted in his remarks that for 70 years, the Commission on the Status of Women has served as a vital global platform for advocating women’s rights. This year’s theme directly addresses the core of the struggle for equality—access to justice. Amid global challenges such as conflicts, climate crises, technological transformation, and growing inequality, ensuring that women and girls can access justice will be a critical foundation for global development.

Guterres emphasized that equality is the bedrock of progress. Foundational documents such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), and the Beijing +30 Plan of Action all affirmed this goal. Justice, he said, is not only an important engine for sustainable development but also a key force in maintaining peace, security, and human dignity.

Sima Bahous, Executive Director of UN Women, stated that this year’s conference places justice at its core, emphasizing that gender equality is not merely an ideal vision but a goal that can be gradually realized through institutional reforms and concrete actions.

During the event, several female representatives shared their personal experiences. Sunbul Reha, a student from Afghanistan, pointed out that when girls’ voices are suppressed, their rights are also stripped away, calling on the international community to support women in speaking out safely.

Malala Yousafzai, women’s education advocate and United Nations Messenger of Peace, highlighted the importance of education for women and urged governments to move from promises to accountability by implementing women’s rights through concrete laws and policies.

Academy Award–winning actress and UN Women Goodwill Ambassador Anne Hathaway also spoke at the event, noting that a gap still exists between the ideals and realities of gender equality worldwide. Many women have yet to truly enjoy equal rights. She called on the international community to continue taking action to eliminate gender-based violence and promote women’s economic empowerment.

CSW70 is being held in New York from March 9 to March 20. In addition to official UN meetings, hundreds of parallel forums organized by governments and non-governmental organizations will take place during the conference. The Buddha’s Light International Association is actively participating in these exchanges and activities, joining global partners with concerns on issues related to women’s development and continuing to promote gender equality and social well-being.