Global commitments renewed at UN Commission on the Status of Women as Albania advances gender equality efforts

The 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70), held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York from 9 to 19 March 2026, brought together governments, civil society, and international organizations to reaffirm global commitments to gender equality and accelerate action for women’s rights.

At the start of the sessions, Member States adopted Agreed Conclusions aimed at strengthening access to justice for all women and girls and advancing gender equality worldwide. The text emphasizes the need for inclusive and equitable legal systems, the elimination of discriminatory laws and practices, and the removal of structural barriers that prevent women from fully exercising their rights.

The text advances commitments to transformative legal reforms, expanded access to legal aid and legal empowerment, stronger coordination across justice institutions, and increased efforts to prevent violence against women and girls. It also highlights the responsible use of technology and digital innovation to improve access to justice.

In his opening remarks, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, highlighted the urgency of collective action, noting that women’s rights continue to face significant global challenges. “Here we are, well into the 21st century, yet justice remains a distant dream for millions upon millions of women and girls. Discriminatory laws persist. Patriarchal norms endure.”

Sima Bahous, Under-Secretary-General and UN Women Executive Director speaking at the closing session emphasized: “Agreed Conclusions placed women’s and girls’ access to justice firmly at the centre of the global gender equality agenda, recognizing that discriminatory laws and structural barriers—including harmful social norms—continue to fail women and girls, and the full realization of their rights.”

Albania actively contributed to the proceedings of the Commission, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening women’s access to justice and advancing gender equality reforms. Speaking during the general discussion, the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Evis Sala, stressed that equal access to justice is essential for women and girls to fully exercise their rights.

“Gender-responsive justice begins with strong laws that guarantee equality and prohibit discrimination, but these rights become meaningful only when women and girls can rely on institutions that are accessible, responsive and sensitive to their needs,” she stated.

Minister Sala highlighted Albania’s recent progress, including the adoption of new legislation on gender equality and on violence against women, which expands protection to address harassment, technology-facilitated violence, and violence against women in politics, while strengthening prevention and accountability mechanisms, including with regards to femicide. The Minister also noted ongoing challenges, including lengthy judicial processes and the need to ensure access to justice for women in rural and vulnerable situations.

Albania also delivered a voluntary presentation of progress on the CSW70 review theme on women’s full and effective participation in public life and the elimination of violence against women and girls. The Commissioner for the Elimination of Dicrimination, Robert Gajda, also joined the presentation. The dialogue with member states that followed provided an opportunity to share experiences, highlight persistent challenges, and outline priorities for strengthening institutional responses and support services.

CSW70 reinforced the importance of coordinated action between governments, the United Nations, and civil society. Albania shared its experience on the implementation of the UN Secretary General Gender Equality Acceleration Plan, including through the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework and a joint UN analysis of gender equality in the country that will inform future support and engagement by UN Women and the rest of the UN family in the country.

For Albania, CSW70 marked both the recognition of ongoing reforms and the country’s continued resolve to advancing gender equality, including through stronger investments and institutional capacity for implementation of commitments.

Reflecting on the 70th session, Minister Sala noted: “Participating in the CSW at the United Nations was a valuable opportunity to strengthen dialogue and cooperation in advancing gender equality. The discussions highlighted the strong link between health, social well-being, and women’s empowerment. This experience inspired Albania to further promote inclusive, evidence-based policies that address the real needs of women and girls in our country.”