On November 22, Boao Forum for Asia Seoul Conference held a Session “Future of the World: the Role of Women and Youth”, joined by a distinguished line-up of panelists including H.E. Dr. Gloria Macapagal ARROYO, President of the Philippines (2001-2010); Ms. Emmanuelle PERES, Former French Vice-Minister, Chief Executive Officer of the Fondation Prospective & Innovation chaired by French Former Prime Minister Mr. Jean-Pierre Raffarin; Ms. Pauline KANCHANALAK, Thailand RS Asset Management Member of Board of Advisors; Ms. MIAO Lv, Co-founder & Secretary General, Center for China and Globalization (CCG); and Ms. JANG Hyewon, Head of the 17th Asian Future Political Leaders’ Association, Seoul National University. In their sharing and analysis, as well as interactions with the audience, panelists had heated discussion on how to intensify women and youth’s role in sustainable development. The event was moderated by Mr. KIM Sook, Former Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the United Nations, Executive Director of Ban Ki-moon Foundation for a Better Future.
Panelists agreed that women play a key role in the joint efforts at national and international level against global challenges. In a changing world intertwined with technology barriers, geopolitical conflicts and political divide, with the UN 2030 SDGs lagged behind and sustainable development held back, female leadership ought to be amplified to shoulder more responsibilities in dissolving conflicts, promoting political mutual trust, and improving global governance for a better future.
It is noted that after decades of tremendous achievements in women’s empowerment and development, women are still underrepresented in various sectors and industries, falling short of expectations in securing their rights and equal development. Panelists called for availing legislation and institutional reforms to promote gender equality, and women’s equal access to politics, economy, education, medical care, etc. in their aspiration to play a greater role.
Panelists agreed that youth as the future of society is an integral and important factor of sustainable development. In view of the difficulties faced by youth across the globe under the gloomy economic situation, it is imperative that authorities formulate necessary policies for capacity building of youth through academic training and leadership mentoring, and enhance their participation in state affairs.
It is noted that the milestone Beijing Declaration adopted in the Fourth Conference on Women in 1995 pivoting on the significance of gender equality and the role of governments and the international community in the comprehensive development and progress of women, is far from being fulfilled. The Panelists called on Boao Forum for Asia to pool the efforts of all parties and play a bigger role in promoting women’s development for early fulfillment of Beijing Declaration in light of its 30th anniversary next year.
