Nigeria has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to women’s empowerment and gender equality, aligning with the global call for accelerated progress, as world leaders gathered in Beijing for the Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women.
Delivering Nigeria’s national statement on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, restated the nation’s determination to advance reforms that place women, children, and families at the centre of national renewal under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“This meeting comes at a time when the call for accelerated transformation for women and girls has never been more urgent,” the Minister said. “Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, we are advancing reforms that make women, children and families central to national renewal.”
Nigeria’s Policy Reforms Driving Inclusion
In her address, the Minister applauded China’s leadership in convening the meeting and underscored Nigeria’s steady progress in advancing gender equality through policy reforms and institutional frameworks.
She cited the National Gender Policy (2021–2026), the National Women’s Economic Empowerment Policy (2023), and the Third National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security (2025–2030) as instruments that continue to drive inclusive development and social transformation.
“Our policy instruments are designed to move us from commitment to measurable progress,” she said. “We are determined to ensure that no woman is unseen, no girl unheard, and no family left behind.”
The Minister highlighted Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Social Impact Interventions–774 (RH-SII-774) operating across all 774 local government areas as a coordinated model integrating nine pillars focused on women, children, and family-centred transformation.
“These interventions are reshaping local economies, expanding opportunity, and reinforcing inclusive growth,” she added.
Shared Global Vision
Echoing President Xi Jinping’s vision of a “shared future for humanity,” Sulaiman-Ibrahim affirmed Nigeria’s full support for a global women’s movement anchored on peace, innovation, and social justice.
She commended China’s practical contributions to international women’s development, noting that Nigeria’s collaboration with China in education, digital inclusion, and entrepreneurship aligns with the Belt and Road cooperation framework and the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
“Nigeria welcomes the renewed global momentum led by China and UN Women,…Our goal is to ensure that women are not just beneficiaries but active leaders in innovation, green growth, and governance,” she said.
Bridging the Financing Gap
While acknowledging significant gains, the Minister revealed that Nigeria was mobilising innovative financing to close an estimated USD 1.2 billion gap in implementing women-focused programmes over the next five years.
She explained that the government is engaging with development partners, impact investors, and the private sector to sustain momentum and deepen accountability in gender-responsive programming.
“We are mobilising blended finance to ensure that every commitment to women and girls translates into measurable outcomes,” she stated.
Reaffirming Nigeria’s support for multilateral cooperation through the United Nations and African Union, the Minister aligned the country’s gender policies with China’s Global Governance Initiative aimed at promoting inclusive, people-centred systems.
“Empowering women is an investment in productivity, peace, and shared prosperity,” she said. “We stand ready to work with all partners to build a future where every woman can thrive.”
Xi Jinping Calls for Shared Global Action
Declaring the meeting open, President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China reaffirmed that women remain indispensable to human civilisation and development.
He recalled that the 1995 Beijing Conference had set a historic agenda for “Action for Equality, Development and Peace,” urging all nations to recommit to building a fair, inclusive world where women can flourish.
“Women in every corner of the world are bound together by a shared future…Looking ahead, we must rededicate ourselves to the purpose of the Beijing World Conference on Women — building consensus, broadening paths, and taking concrete action to accelerate the new process of women’s all-round development.” President Xi said.
President Xi outlined four key proposals: fostering global peace and safety for women; promoting women’s participation in high-quality development and innovation; strengthening governance and legal frameworks for women’s rights; and enhancing international cooperation under the United Nations and South–South partnerships.
He announced a robust new support package from China to the global women’s cause, including a USD 10 million donation to UN Women, a USD 100 million allocation under China’s Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund, and the launch of 1,000 “small and beautiful” livelihood projects prioritising women and girls.
“China will invite 50,000 women to participate in exchange and training programmes and establish a Global Centre for Women’s Capacity Building,… President Xi declared, describing women as “stars on the new journey of global modernisation.”
Shared Future for Humanity
As the world marks 30 years of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, both President Xi Jinping and Minister Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim called for stronger global solidarity to accelerate women’s all-around development and ensure sustainable gains.
President Xi concluded with an ancient Chinese proverb that captured the spirit of the gathering: “Steadfast dedication yields an enduring fragrance.”
He urged world leaders to “carry forward the spirit of the Beijing Conference and jointly create a better future for humanity.”
With Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Agenda aligning closely with China’s Shared Future Vision, both nations reaffirmed their mutual commitment to women’s advancement, a cornerstone for global peace, prosperity, and sustainable development.