The Third Asian-African Women’s Development and Cooperation Initiative

On October 31, 2023, the Third Asian-African Women’s Development and Cooperation Forum was jointly organized by the Women Empowerment &Development Society in Asia-Africa 、the Beijing Yaoyang Foundation and Hong Kong Federation of Women in Hong Kong, China.

Under the theme of “Carry Forward the Silk Road Spirit, Work Together for the Future”, the forum discussed the current situation and challenges faced by Asian and African women. In order to further build consensus and promote exchanges and cooperation among women in Asia and Africa, the Forum unanimously adopted the Asian-African Women’s Development and Cooperation Forum initiative.

We recognize that the current international situation is changing rapidly, peace and development are facing major challenges, and the situation of women and children is becoming more severe. Only by arousing the wide attention of the world and working together to cope with the crisis can we turn the crisis into an opportunity and create a better future.

We can see that since the Belt and Road Initiative was put forward ten years ago, more and more countries have responded positively. The Silk Road Spirit of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits can serve as a basic guideline for women’s development cooperation in today’s world.

We reiterate: We support the concept of gender equality and women’s empowerment in the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action of the Fourth World Conference on Women, and the programs and commitments on sustainable development, recognizing that women are firm defenders of world peace, active contributors to promoting sustainable economic and social development, and important beneficiaries of peace and development.

For this purpose, we propose:

First, contemporary women should show a positive image of inclusiveness, unity, inheritance and development, and mission responsibility. Enhance women’s self-esteem, self-confidence, independence, self-reliance awareness, highlighting women’s patriotism and human feelings. When women are strong, the family is strong, and the human race has hope.

Second, calls upon all governments and relevant United Nations agencies to formulate inclusive development strategies that fully take into account the special needs of women and provide support and guarantee for their development; Increase investment in education and strengthen women’s capacity building; Eliminate gender discrimination, promote women’s equal and full employment, ensure women’s equal participation and equal benefits, and promote women’s development in step with economic and social development.

Third, strengthen international exchanges and cooperation in women’s cause. Governments, United Nations agencies and non-governmental organizations have conducted in-depth discussions and coordinated positions on the opportunities and challenges facing women. Focus on key areas such as women’s poverty reduction, health, education and bridging the digital divide to address new challenges and seize new opportunities. Continue to innovate the forms of exchanges, enrich the content of exchanges, and seek cooperation and development. Give full play to the special role of women in building a harmonious society, families and promoting world peace and development.

Fourth, create a friendly public opinion environment conducive to women’s development. Extensively publicize gender equality and fully demonstrate the wisdom and strength of women in the process of promoting common people and building a community with a shared future for mankind.