UN CSW70 Parallel Forum: BLIA Members Focus on Educational Equality in the Digital Era

Following the opening of the 70th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70) at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on March 9, numerous NGO CSW70 parallel forums were held where government representatives, non-governmental organizations, and academic experts from around the world have gathered to exchange views and discuss issues including women’s education, digital development, artificial intelligence (AI), and gender equality. Representatives of the Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) attended several forums to learn about the global issues related to women’s development and education.

On March 11, a parallel forum titled “Access to Education in the Digital Era: Lifelong Learning for All Women and Girls’ Equality,” organized by Soroptimist International, was held at the Church Center for the United Nations. The forum attracted more than 100 professionals concerned with women’s education and digital development.

Attending the forum were Venerable You Lin, Director of the BLIA United Nations Office; Venerable You Hong of Fo Guang Shan New York Temple; Eunice Shih, Song He Subchapter President; Cindy Wang, NY localization team member; and Jannie, Elmhurst Subchapter member. Through observation and dialogue, they gained insight into practical experiences from various countries in promoting women’s education and lifelong learning.

The forum opened with remarks by moderator Nina Smart, followed by a welcome address by Renata Trottmann Probst, President of Soroptimist International. She noted that in an era of rapid digitalization, lifelong learning is particularly important for women and girls. She emphasized that artificial intelligence and digital technologies are transforming work and daily life, and therefore education systems must incorporate AI and digital skills training to ensure that women can continue developing their abilities during the digital transformation.

The keynote address was delivered by Aikaterini Patsogianni, Secretary General for Equality and Human Rights at the Greek Ministry of Social Cohesion and Family, who shared government policy experiences in promoting women’s education and lifelong learning, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between governments and civil society. Temple University professor Martina Rogato also spoke, discussing lifelong learning policies from a gender perspective, highlighting the need for education systems to consider women’s needs at different stages of life and to strengthen STEM education and digital skills development.

The forum also presented practical examples from different regions in promoting women’s education and capacity-building, including youth empowerment programs, adult literacy and digital education initiatives, and training projects in AI and digital skills. These initiatives demonstrated the diverse global efforts being made to advance women’s education and lifelong learning.

Eunice Shih remarked that listening to the experiences shared by participants from various countries deepened her understanding of the importance of education and digital skills for women’s development. She also observed the concrete approaches being implemented around the world to promote gender equality and lifelong learning. The forum provided an opportunity for BLIA members to learn through international exchange and to continue paying close attention to issues related to women’s education and social development.