CSW 70 - 70th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women - The United Nations - New York

13th April, 2026

The 70th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) took place from 9 to 19 March. This major annual event reviews progress made in the area of gender equality at the international level. As every year, our representatives at the UN Headquarters in New York, Elena Cusmir and Andrea Fage, attended key events aligned with our organization’s mission. They participated  in a series of strategic dialogues and side events bringing together Member States, UN agencies, international institutions and civil society organisations. Here is their report.

A divided global context

This edition focused on women’s full and effective participation in public life, decision-making processes and elimination of violence took place against an international backdrop characterised by a dual reality:

  • a strong and organised movement in support of women’s rights
  • a diversity – and at times a tension- in the visions and approaches for achieving this
Discussions reflected a shifting global landscape in which different interpretations of priorities
are increasingly brought into dialogue—between global approaches supported by international
institutions and national perspectives rooted in cultural or societal contexts.
In this context, one conclusion stands out: progress on gender equality today depends as much on the capacity to act as on the capacity to engage in dialogue.

Education as a cornerstone

One of the most striking themes of this year’s event was the fundamental role of education (SDG 4) as the foundation for sustainable progress towards gender equality (SDG 5).

An exhibition at the United Nations headquarters, showcasing books from the Bologna Children’s Book Awards inspired by the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), illustrates this idea: the stories, role models and imaginative worlds conveyed from a very young age shape perceptions of leadership, justice and the place of women in society.

From participation to influence: the key role of young women

The discussions also highlighted a key issue:
moving from the token participation of women – particularly young girls – to their genuine inclusion in decision-making and governance processes. Initiatives such as WYDE Women’s Leadership highlight the importance of:

  • empower young women to play an active role in peace-building, governance and development

  • establish mentoring schemes (youth advisors)

  • create sustainable pathways for women’s leadership

A particularly striking point concerns the role of universities. While young women are highly engaged in academic environments, their transition into political and decision-making roles remains limited, underscoring the need to better structure these leadership “pipelines.”

Digital technology: a catalyst for empowerment, a new source of vulnerability

The issue of digital inclusion played a significant role in the discussions, particularly through initiatives led by the United Nations system (WSIS, ITU, UNICEF, UNESCO, FAO, WHO, UN DESA, UN Women).

The conclusion is clear: digital technology is a major lever for expanding access to education, information, entrepreneurship, and civic participation. However, this development also brings a critical challenge: digital inclusion cannot be separated from the protection of women and girls in digital spaces.

Discussions highlighted in particular:
  • the rise of online violence 
  • risks of exploitation and manipulation 
  • the need for more protective and inclusive digital governance

Alliances, civil society and collective transformation

Dialogue platforms—particularly those involving networks such as the Coalition for the UN We Need—have emphasized the importance of:

  • preserving open spaces for dialogue and consultation
  • strengthening international frameworks for the protection of women’s rights
  • supporting alliances between institutional actors and civil society

A broad consensus has emerged: mentoring, networks and alliances are essential levers for fostering sustainable and influential women’s leadership.

A transformation that goes beyond politics

Beyond public policy, CSW 70 reminds us that gender equality is a profound transformation that affects institutions, education systems, technology, cultural representations and intergenerational relationships. For our NGO, this participation confirms the relevance of our approach centred on:

  • Educating and transmission of knowledge 
  • Promoting inspiring stories
  • Fostering dialogue between cultures and generations
  • And highlighting meaningful and impactful initiatives


Gender equality cannot be achieved solely through legislation; it must be built through the narratives, life paths and alliances that shape our societies.

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