91Â鶹¹ú²ú¾«Æ·×ÔÅÄ

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia — The UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia organized a thematic session on Gender Equality in Sports, Arts, and Culture within the framework of the World Women's Forum, held on 22-23 August 2024 in Mongolia. With over 100 participants, the session brought together a diverse array of voices to address the persistent challenges and emerging opportunities for gender equality across these sectors.

The session featured opening remarks by Ms. Munkhsoyol Baatarjav, Member of Parliament from Mongolia, and a video message from Prof. Shahbaz Khan, Director of UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia. The keynote speech was delivered by Ms. Nomin Chinbat, Minister of Culture, Sports, Tourism, and Youth of Mongolia, emphasizing the nation's commitment to gender equality as enshrined in its Constitution and various policies, and highlighted some recent efforts spent on ensuring an enabling environment for women to participate and shine in these sectors.

The panel discussion, moderated by Ms. Sodontogos Erdenetsogt, Director-General of MONTSAME, tackled critical issues such as gendered harassment, unequal pay, precarious working conditions, and discrimination in cultural activities and sports participation. Panelists included renowned judoka and Paris 2024 Olympic medalist Ms. Baasankhuu Bavuudorj, along with academics, activists, and cultural professionals who shared their insights on the current status and the role of these sectors in empowering women.

The session underscored the need for data collection and analysis to better understand gender disparities specific to sports, arts and culture. It highlighted the importance of policy implementation informed by evidence, education and awareness through youth engagement, and investment in women-specific initiatives. Collective action and collaboration among stakeholders were identified as crucial for advancing gender equality.

The closing remarks by Mr. Tapan Mishra, UN Resident Coordinator in Mongolia, encapsulated the spirit of the session, reflecting on the rich dialogues and profound insights shared. He emphasized the journey toward gender equality as one of hope and action, calling for continued efforts to ensure a future where gender equality in an integral aspect of every sphere of life.

The World Women's Forum, hosted by the Government of Mongolia at the initiative of the country’s President, HE Mr. Khurelsukh Ukhnaa, serves as a global platform to celebrate the achievements of women and to reflect on the strides made and the challenges ahead. It is a testament to the collective efforts required to ensure that gender equality is not just an aspiration but a lived reality. Joined by distinguished leaders of the United Nations and countries around the world, the Forum also featured sessions on women's leadership in environmental action, the role of women in shaping sustainable food systems, the significance of women entrepreneurs in the digital economy, the importance of education in empowering women and girls, and women and climate solutions. 

The Forum concluded with the adoption of the Ulaanbaatar Declaration, reaffirming commitments to international law, the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The Declaration emphasized the importance of gender equality, women's empowerment, and the full, equal, and meaningful participation of women and girls in all aspects of society, while addressing climate change, economic empowerment, and digital inclusion.