Global Leaders' Meeting on Women: A Commitment to Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment

The Global Leaders' Meeting on Women, held in Beijing from October 13 to 14, 2025, commemorated the 30th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women. This high-profile event gathered heads of state, government officials, and representatives from over 110 countries, including leaders from Iceland, Ghana, and Sri Lanka. Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a keynote address emphasizing the international community's shared responsibility to advance women's development and gender equality.

Global TimesXi underscores shared global duty to advance women's development at Beijing meetingGlobal TimesPresident Xi Jinping Attends the Opening Ceremony of the Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women and Delivers Keynote AddressCGTN:How China is empowering women and advancing 'her power'President Xi Jinping vows more efforts to advance women’s all-round developmentChina DailyChina's path to gender equality hailed as modelPeace Before Progress: Khuon Sudary Links Ceasefire Stability to Women’s Rights

In his address, President Xi outlined four key proposals aimed at fostering women's all-round development:

President Xi Jinping Attends the Opening Ceremony of the Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women and Delivers Keynote Address

1. Creating an Enabling Environment: Emphasizing the need for peace and stability as prerequisites for women's growth.

Carrying Forward the Spirit of the Beijing World Conference on Women and Promoting the New and Accelerated Process for Women’s All-Round Development_Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republi

2. Cultivating Momentum for Development: Advocating for women's inclusion in modernization and economic globalization.

Global Times

3. Developing Governance Frameworks: Calling for improved laws and institutions to protect women's rights.

China Daily

4. Promoting Global Cooperation: Encouraging collaborative efforts to support women's roles in governance and development.

Xi underscores shared global duty to advance women's development at Beijing meeting

China has made significant strides in promoting gender equality over the past three decades. The country has implemented a comprehensive legal framework to protect women's rights, with over 100 laws and regulations in place. Notably, women now account for 43% of the workforce, and more than half of internet entrepreneurs in China are female. The average life expectancy for women has risen to over 80 years, and maternal mortality rates have significantly decreased.

China Daily

China has also trained over 200,000 women from more than 180 countries and invested over $40 million in women's empowerment projects globally. These initiatives reflect China's commitment to integrating women's development into its broader governance agenda.

Starting anew from Beijing: Working together for shared future in global women's developmentChina DailyChina’s Xi pledges stronger global support for women’s empowermentOfficial on China's progress in advancing women's developmentCGTN:How China is empowering women and advancing 'her power'Carrying Forward the Spirit of the Beijing World Conference on Women and Promoting the New and Accelerated Process for Women’s All-Round Development_Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's RepubliPresident Xi Jinping vows more efforts to advance women’s all-round developmentGlobal Times

Leaders from various nations, including Citlalli Hernandez Mora, Mexico's Minister for Women, expressed optimism about the meeting's potential to foster international cooperation on women's rights. Hernandez highlighted the importance of sharing experiences and learning from China's successful policies in promoting gender equality.

Interview: Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women embodies hope, peace and progress, says Mexican minister

Khuon Sudary, Cambodia's first female head of parliament, emphasized the connection between peace and women's rights, calling for international support to uphold ceasefire agreements that affect women's well-being.

Peace Before Progress: Khuon Sudary Links Ceasefire Stability to Women’s Rights

Despite the progress made, challenges remain. Gender-based violence, wage disparities, and underrepresentation in leadership roles continue to hinder women's full participation in society. Critics argue that while China showcases its achievements, deeper systemic issues related to gender inequality persist both domestically and globally.

Peace Before Progress: Khuon Sudary Links Ceasefire Stability to Women’s Rights

The Global Leaders' Meeting on Women serves as a pivotal moment for reaffirming commitments to gender equality and women's empowerment. As President Xi stated, "Women in every corner of the world are bound together by a shared future." The initiatives announced at the meeting, including a $10 million donation to UN Women and the establishment of a Global Center for Women's Capacity Building, aim to enhance global cooperation and support for women's development.

China’s Xi pledges stronger global support for women’s empowermentCarrying Forward the Spirit of the Beijing World Conference on Women and Promoting the New and Accelerated Process for Women’s All-Round Development_Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's RepubliXi underscores shared global duty to advance women's development at Beijing meetingPresident Xi Jinping vows more efforts to advance women’s all-round developmentPresident Xi Jinping Attends the Opening Ceremony of the Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women and Delivers Keynote AddressChina's path to gender equality hailed as modelChina DailyStarting anew from Beijing: Working together for shared future in global women's development

The meeting not only commemorates past achievements but also sets a roadmap for future actions, emphasizing that the advancement of women's rights is a collective responsibility that requires sustained commitment from all nations.

President Xi Jinping vows more efforts to advance women’s all-round development