This year’s CSW took place at the UN HQ under the theme the review and appraisal of the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and the outcomes of the 23rd special session of the General Assembly. That is an assessment of current challenges that affect the implementation of the Platform for Action and the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of women and its contribution towards the full realization of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Unlike past CSWs, this year’s convening is critical and unique. But first, let’s assess the gains achieved.

1. Political Declaration: While this year’s gathering earned some gains in terms of safeguarding the Beijing Declaration language in the unanimously agreed adoption of the political declaration on day 1 of the commission’s meeting, it is still not enough. The declaration mentioned the need for meaningful participation and leadership of women and girls at least seven (07) times, including the need for the eradication of all forms of gender-based violence and harmful traditional practices at least once (01), as well as the recognition of the contributions of adolescents’ girls to social good.   
   
2. CSW Revitalisation: A town hall meeting held between Member states, CSW revitalisation Co-facilitators, UN Women as well as civil societies and feminist leaders at CSW69 on the revitalisation process of the CSW. Inasmuch as this is a highly needed event, the choice of hall for this session was rather very small, not able to accommodate all registered attendees. 
   
3. Multiyear program of work for the commission: The fact that member states were able to adopt the themes for the next four (04) years of the CSW was one unique milestone from this year’s CSW. With such clarity, groups can better plan, organise and lead transformative actions over the next four years, culminating such actions with the deadline for the sustainable development goals (SDGs) by 2030. The multiyear work plan which was negotiations with draft themes suggested by member states sometimes in January 2025 got adopted unanimously by the bureau and member states attending CSW69, are:

• Seventieth session (CSW 70, 2026): Ensuring and strengthening access to justice for all women and girls, including by promoting inclusive and equitable legal systems, eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices, and addressing structural barriers. 
• Seventy-first session (CSW 71, 2027): Accelerating the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls in the context of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.Seventy-second session (CSW72, 2028): Recognizing and strengthening care and support systems to achieve gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls. 
• Seventy-third session (CSW 73, 2029): Women and girls in humanitarian emergencies: advancing women’s participation and leadership and achieving gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls in this context.