Li Xiaomei, deputy head of the Chinese delegation to the 59th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), delivered a "Beijing+30" joint statement on behalf of nearly 90 countries including Mexico, the United Kingdom, Belgium, South Africa and Japan at the council's annual symposium on women's rights on June 24th, calling on all countries to join hands to implement the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and promote the development of global women and girls' causes.

The statement recalled that 30 years ago, the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing adopted the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. Last year, the 57th session of the UNHRC unanimously adopted a commemorative resolution to hold the Global Women's Summit in Beijing once again this year. We should take this opportunity to reinvigorate the spirit of the Beijing Declaration by following the action framework outlined in the 12 critical areas of concern set forth in the Platform for Action, thereby paving the way for achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls.

The statement emphasized that safeguarding the rights and interests of women and girls should be accorded high priority. All forms of discrimination and violence against women and girls should be opposed, and all acts that infringe upon the rights and interests of women and girls should be cracked down. Upholding multilateralism, and transforming shared aspirations into coordinated global actions were also highlighted as essential steps to gain new momentum for the advancement of gender equality worldwide. The ultimate goal, the statement affirmed, is to enable women and girls to fully enjoy equal opportunities and lead fulfilling lives.

The statement received extensive support from developing countries, many of which actively responded in their speeches.