The African Union Specialized Technical Committee (STC) on Gender Equality and Women Empowerment Bureau officially launched Africa’s candidacy to host the 74th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW74) during a high-level luncheon held on 10 March 2026 at the African Union Permanent Observer Mission to the United Nations in New York.

The event brought together Ministers, Ambassadors, Representatives of United Nations (UN)  Regional Chairs Groups for March 2026, Bureau members of the UN CSW70, international partners and AUC Departments, Organs and Agencies, and, were officially informed of Africa’s proposal to host the first five-year rotational session of the CSW outside New York, in line with the UN CSW Revitalization resolution adopted by the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) in September 2025, emanating from the follow up to the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. This move aligns with the broader goals of the UN and AU to promote gender equality and empower women across continents.

Opening the event, H.E Ambassador Mohamed Fathi Edrees, Permanent Observer of the African Union to the UN,  reaffirmed that CSW host outside New York is a milestone and urged for more changes at the UN, through the ongoing UN strengthening and revitalization process of the work of the UN General Assembly, to open up more opportunities, and for the global community, equitably and equally; to have a share in the multilateral achievements through the spirit of solidarity, unity and shared responsibilities, further requested the international community support and approval; to host CSW74; together in Africa.

In the same vein, the Director of the AUC, Women, Gender and Youth Directorate, Ms Prudence Ngwenya, recalled and echoed the AU Ministers' decision for Africa to host CSW74, adopted during the 10^th STC on Gender Equality and Women Empowerment held in Addis Ababa in November 2025.

Launching Africa's candidacy to host the UN CSW74, the Chair of STC Bureau, Her Excellency, Lesego Chombo, Minister of Youth and Gender Affairs of Botswana, emphasized Africa's strong commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment, inspiring pride and confidence in the continent’s leadership in advancing women's rights.

Participants noted that across the continent, African women are increasingly occupying leadership positions in key sectors, including finance, foreign affairs, and justice. Participants highlighted that hosting the UN CSW74 would allow the international community to witness firsthand the leadership and achievements of African women and girls.

Representatives from several countries expressed strong support for Africa’s candidacy. The Representative of Lebanon commended the African Group for its strong commitment to advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment and reaffirmed that he would share the message with his regional group. The representative also praised Africa’s leadership and its inspiring role for young people around the world.

The Representative of Cuba highlighted the deep historical and cultural ties between Africa and Cuba, noting that African heritage is an integral part of Cuban identity. Cuba warmly welcomed Africa’s proposal, fostering respect and admiration for the continent's rich cultural legacy and its role as the cradle of humanity.

Delegations from Burundi, in its capacity as AU Chair for 2026 year, as well as, The Gambia, Uganda, Tunisia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, at their capacity as STC Bureau members, also expressed their support, stressing that hosting the UN CSW in Africa would strengthen global dialogue on gender equality and women’s empowerment and bring the work of the Commission closer to the realities and experiences of women in the continent.

Speaking on behalf of the African Group to the UN, the Representative of Mali, Chair of the African Group for March 2026, reaffirmed the collective diplomatic support for the initiative, emphasizing that hosting the Commission would symbolize global solidarity with African women and girls, fostering a sense of shared purpose among international partners.

Participants concluded that holding the UN CSW74 in Africa in 2030 would represent a historic milestone and a powerful opportunity to showcase the continent’s progress, partnerships, and continued commitment to advancing gender equality and the empowerment of women.

For further information, please contact:

Dr Jeanne Flora Kayitesi, African Union Commission, Women, Gender and Youth Directorate. Email: Kayitesijf@africanunion.org

Media Contact:

Ms Esther Azaa Tankou, Head of Media and Information Division, Information and Communication Directorate, AUC and Communication Advisor of the AU Permanent Observer Mission to the UN. Tel: +1 347 812 71 95, Email: yamboue@africanunion.org