Celebrating 30 Years of Progress: Beijing +30 Event Highlights Gender Equality and Women’s Rights

Celebrating 30 Years of Progress: Beijing +30 Event Highlights Gender Equality and Women's Rights

Beijing, China - On September 10, 2025, stakeholders, thought leaders, and advocates of gender equality gathered in Beijing to commemorate and reflect on three decades of progress since the landmark Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing in 1995, and the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.

Titled "Beijing +30: Perspectives of Gender Equality and Women's Rights from 30 Years Ago and Looking Ahead," the event celebrated achievements, discussed current challenges, and explored future directions for advancing women's rights globally.

Engaging Sessions and Renowned Speakers

The event hosted crucial discussions on women's roles in the economy and workplace rights during its first session. Esteemed speakers included Tarja Halonen, former President of Finland; Stefano Pizzicannella, Director-General for Equal Opportunities Policies at the Presidency of the Council of Ministers of Italy; and Karin Debroey from the Belgian Confederation of Christian Trade Unions.

A Panel Discussion between Generations brought insights from historical participants of the 1995 conference and new voices, emphasising cross-generational dialogue. Panellists included Dr. Miriam Estrada Castillo of the UNHRC, Mia Hyun, Senior Gender Advisor, and representatives from UNDP and local community organizations. The discussion was moderated by Luis Melgar, First Secretary of the Political Section, Delegation of the European Union to China.

Art Exhibition "PINK" at the Italian Cultural Institute

The event featured the "PINK" art exhibition. Curated by the Italian Association for Visual Communication Design (AIAP), the exhibition, which will be shown at the Italian Cultural Institute in Beijing for the coming weeks, showcases a rich collection of visual materials: posters, books, sketches, drawings, and photographs. Showcasing the creative works and experiences of female designers from the 1940s to the present day in Italy, the exhibition also highlights iconic images that have captured the imagination of many. By celebrating the intersection of professional achievements and personal experiences, "PINK" underscores broader themes such as visibility, recognition, and the work-life balance challenges faced by women.

Closing Remarks and Networking Opportunities

Franck Porte, Head of Cooperation, Delegation of the European Union to China, delivered the closing remarks, marking the event as a touchstone for ongoing collaboration towards gender equality.

The day concluded with a networking reception, fostering connections among attendees committed to advancing gender equality goals.

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