The Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) is the principal global intergovernmental body exclusively dedicated to the promotion of gender equality, the rights and the empowerment of women. However, during the 69th session of the Commission (CSW69) in March 2025, and amidst escalating attacks on women’s rights worldwide, the United States (despite not currently being  a member of the Commission) joined forces with Russia and Argentina in a bid to water down language on gender equality and improving women’s representation in leadership.

UNA-UK wrote in its March Newsletter:

This backsliding – as well as Saudi Arabia’s role as chair of Commission despite its regressive record on women’s rights – has raised serious questions about the impact the commission can have in progressing gender equality globally.

The upcoming selection process for the next Secretary-General presents a crucial opportunity for transformation at the UN, and during CSW69 there was a palpable energy among states and civil society that this appointment could be catalytic for reinvigorating multilateralism and help produce the bold, courageous and experienced leader we urgently need.