The European Commission announced that Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management Hadja Lahbib will represent the European Union at the upcoming session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women in New York. The meeting will focus on advancing gender equality and addressing persistent inequalities affecting women and girls worldwide.
EU representation at UN meeting
According to the Commission, Lahbib will participate in the 70th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women, scheduled to take place on Tuesday. During the meeting, she is expected to reaffirm the EU’s commitment to promoting gender equality and call for immediate action to address ongoing challenges affecting women and girls. These include violence against women, harmful online content, unequal pay and barriers to accessing gender-sensitive healthcare services.
Presentation of EU gender equality strategy
The commissioner will also present the EU Gender Equality Strategy for the period 2026–2030. She is expected to emphasise the role of the United Nations in advancing women’s rights globally and strengthening international cooperation on gender equality policies.
Meetings and thematic discussions
On Tuesday, Lahbib will attend a meeting of EU ministers focused on empowering girls in the digital age. She will also participate in the general debate centred on this year’s priority theme: ensuring and strengthening access to justice for all women and girls through inclusive legal systems, the removal of discrimination and the elimination of structural barriers.
Focus on online violence and humanitarian action
On Wednesday, the commissioner will deliver remarks at an EU side event dedicated to preventing and combating online violence against girls. She will also join a discussion on humanitarian assistance, examining support measures for women involved in life-saving efforts.
During her visit, Lahbib is also scheduled to meet with the director of the United Nations Development Programme, Alexander De Croo, Mexico’s Minister for Women Citlalli Hernández, and representatives of civil society and the EU Youth Delegates.
UN meetings continue on Thursday
On Thursday, Lahbib will attend an event focused on the elimination of violence against women and girls and hold additional meetings with senior United Nations officials.