“Conference on Pathways to Achieve Social Justice and Gender Equality in Azerbaijan: Achievements and the Way Forward”

Good morning!

It is my great pleasure to join you today at this conference dedicated to advancing social justice and gender equality in Azerbaijan.  

We are here to celebrate the achievements made in Azerbaijan, to exchange knowledge and experiences from different countries, and to address challenges in order to forge pathways towards a world where no one is left behind.

We are currently living in an era of immense economic, social, and environmental upheaval.  Across the world, the convergence of political crises, climate emergencies, and economic insecurity has slowed and, in some cases, reversed progress on gender equality.

But we must not allow these setbacks to define our trajectory.

Because gender equality and women’s empowerment are essential to sustainable development.  Everyone – regardless of gender - contributes to economic growth, social prosperity, and environmental stewardship. 

Unless we place gender equality at the center of policies and decision-making, the advancement of women will remain out of reach.  It is imperative to remove the structural barriers that hinder women’s progress and implement targeted, actionable strategies that foster inclusivity.

Distinguished Participants:

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women and adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. Just a month ago, in March, the Commission on the Status of Women adopted a Political Declaration, recognizing that 2025 is a momentous chance to bring Member States together to intensify efforts to achieve gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls.

Bahar khanum led the Azerbaijani delegation in NY and actively participated in this milestone meeting of the Commission on the Status of Women.  The Political Declaration, that was adopted in March,  emphasizes the importance of decent work as a key factor in achieving gender equality and women's empowerment.  It highlights the need for inclusive development and shared prosperity, ensuring that women have equal opportunities to improve their employment prospects and livelihoods.  And it calls for concrete, actionable policies that promote fair wages, safe working conditions, and equal access to economic opportunities for women and girls.

Distinguished Participants:

This Conference- on Pathways to Achieve Social Justice and Gender Equality in Azerbaijan -is an opportunity to translate the vision of the Political Declaration into action in Azerbaijan. 

Over the next two days, we will have an opportunity to hear from various stakeholders: representatives of Governments, labor organizations, businesses, civil society, and international partners. Perhaps most importantly, we will hear from the dynamic women of Azerbaijan, who – through their actions and unwavering determination - are challenging outdated norms and demonstrating what would be possible to achieve, when we dismantle systemic inequalities and enact policies that ensure equal opportunities for all. 

We hope that the conference will inspire renewed commitments to integrate gender-responsive strategies into economic frameworks, amplify women’s voices in leadership, and promote equitable access to resources.

As the United Nations in Azerbaijan, we look forward to continue supporting the Government, civil society, private sector and other partners, to shape inclusive economic policies, advance decent work principles, and build resilient societies that empower all individuals - regardless of gender.

Thank you.