Fri Mar 07 19:20:00 UTC 2025: ## World Urged to Invest $360 Billion Annually to Achieve Gender Equality by 2030

**NEW YORK, March 8** – On the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Platform for Action, the United Nations is issuing a clarion call for global action to achieve gender equality. The UN highlights that gender inequality is a significant global challenge, but also represents a massive untapped opportunity. The organization estimates that closing the gender gap by 2030 requires an annual investment of $360 billion, emphasizing that the cost of inaction far outweighs this figure.

The UN’s appeal emphasizes the crucial roles of governments and individuals alike. While governments hold primary responsibility for fulfilling commitments outlined in the Beijing Platform, the UN stresses that collective action is necessary. Six key areas for action are highlighted:

* **Bridging the Digital Divide:** Closing the digital gender gap could save $500 billion over the next five years. The UN advocates for policies ensuring equal access and leadership opportunities for women and girls in technology.

* **Strengthening Social Protection:** Addressing widespread poverty among women requires investment in public services and social protection programs. Re-evaluating and investing in unpaid care work, which disproportionately falls on women, could create 300 million jobs by 2035.

* **Combating Violence Against Women:** The UN calls for the adoption, implementation, and funding of national laws and policies that ensure zero impunity for violence against women, and support for local women’s organizations.

* **Increasing Women’s Representation:** The UN urges implementation of laws and policies to increase the number of women in decision-making roles across politics, business, and institutions.

* **Empowering Women in Peace and Security:** With over 600 million women and girls living near armed conflict, the UN stresses the need for fully financed national plans to increase women’s participation in peace and security initiatives, alongside increased funding for women’s organizations in conflict zones.

* **Prioritizing Women in Climate Action:** Recognizing women’s disproportionate vulnerability to climate change, the UN advocates for increased investment and access to green jobs for women and girls.

The UN Commission on the Status of Women’s 69th session (CSW69), currently underway in New York, will review progress on the Beijing Platform and serve as a focal point for renewed global commitment to gender equality. The UN is urging individuals to take personal responsibility for advancing gender equality in their own lives, workplaces, and communities. The organization concludes its call to action with an appeal for donations to support the cause of gender equality for all women and girls.

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