Girls Take the Lead at UN, Calling for Equality and Action

Girls are driving good and growth around the world.

Adults took the back seat at the UN Headquarters on Friday as girls and young women from around the world took over the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Chamber to speak up for their rights amid conflict, climate change, and other global challenges.

Together with senior UN officials, they marked the International Day of the Girl Child through declarations, dialogue, and a show of solidarity with their peers in Afghanistan and elsewhere whose voices have been silenced.

Nafisa, a 16-year-old from Ghana, spoke up for girls “whose dreams are shaken by crisis,” recalling a friend who had to leave school when conflict erupted but joined a study group to continue learning.

“Her story reminds us that girls are strong, determined, and never give up,” she said in a video message.

A world where girls can lead

Held annually on 11 October, the International Day of the Girl Child highlighted this year’s theme: “We Are Here: Bold, Diverse, and Unstoppable – Demanding Action for Girls’ Rights.”

Parents, chaperones, and mentors were encouraged to sit at the back of the room as “virtual moderator” Andrea from Bolivia welcomed participants, who were asked to use only their first names for safety reasons.

“All around the world, girls dream big, support one another, and raise their voices for justice,” Andrea said in Spanish.

“We may live in different places and speak different languages, but we share one dream – a world where every girl can learn, lead, and live without fear.”

UN General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock urged participants to pursue their passions wholeheartedly.

“My dream for you is that each day you do exactly that—and that nobody and nothing will stop you,” she said.

“No man, no religion, no legislation, no system that tries to silence you, no criticism or bullying, and not even what can feel like the loudest voice of all—your own self-doubt.”

Caught in crises

The commemoration comes as countries mark 30 years since the Beijing Declaration on women’s rights and the World Programme of Action for Youth.

Yet despite these global promises, “girls around the world continue to face the impacts of catastrophic climate change, armed conflict, food insecurity, and systemic gender-based violence and discrimination,” said Michael Gort, Deputy Permanent Representative of Canada to the UN.

He urged governments, civil society, and the international community “to move beyond promises and deliver real results,” adding, “Our role is to listen, to support, and to act—guided by your experience and expertise.”

Solidarity and commitment

Another moderator, Eleni, called for a moment of silence for all girls “whose voices need to be heard,” including those in war zones, violent situations, or remote and indigenous communities. They were symbolically represented by an empty “solidarity chair” on the podium.

Ms. Baerbock later led a “selfie of solidarity” with girls in Afghanistan who continue to face restrictions on their rights.

The UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) reaffirmed its commitment to “girl-driven programmes” in more than 80 countries, focusing on protection, health, nutrition, and economic empowerment, said Lauren Rumble, Associate Director for Gender Equality.

She added that 10 per cent of UNICEF’s $7 billion annual budget will go toward networks supporting girls and women.

“We know that you are capable of designing the change you want to see and making it happen. Our job is to ensure the resources and investments reach your hands so you can do it better and at scale,” she said.

Markella, representing the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, emphasized the power of solidarity.

“Every girl has the ability to be an advocate for another girl,” she said.

“Even if she doesn’t have a UN microphone, she can still create a safe environment for her peers and uplift their voices.”