The United Nations held a special event on Friday in its headquarters in New York to mark the International Women's Day, observed on March 8. At the event themed "For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment," UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stressed that gender equality drives the progress for all people and called for actions from all countries and regions to continue to ensure gender equality. This year marks the 30th anniversary of Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a visionary agenda for gender equality, being put forward at the Fourth World Conference on Women in 1995. Guterres mentioned this at the beginning of his speech at the event. He also reviewed the progress the world has made in securing women's rights and pointed out the severe challenges women are still facing today, including violence, discrimination, economic inequality and new threats coming from digital era. Guterres introduced the UN's achievements in ensuring more women access to education and job opportunities and suffer less gender-based violence through the adoption of various measures. He also announced the UN's commitment to the Gender Equality Clarion Call, a pledge to defend and advance the rights of all women and girls, which sets out four priorities including unified leadership, actions against pushbacks, coordinated impact and protecting women human rights defenders. He called on all countries and regions in the world to take actions to realize the vision of the Beijing Declaration. UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous also delivered a speech at the event, saying the cause of gender equality has never been more urgent and the obstacles in the way are more apparent. She said world has promised rights, equality, and empowerment to all women and girls, and this promise is yet to be realized. She emphasized that equality is the solution, the accelerator, and the gamechanger. The event, the 50th of its kind, was also attended by female social activists, artists, athletes, youth leaders to celebrate for women and promote women's rights and interests through speeches, singing and dance. Shotlist: UN headquarters, New York City - March 7, 2025: FILE: UN Headquarters, New York City - June 29, 2023 1. UN headquarters building; FILE: UN headquarters, New York City - Date Unknown 2. UN emblem; 3. UN flag; UN headquarters, New York City - March 7, 2025 4. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres speaking at event; 5. SOUNDBITE (French) Antonio Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General (partially overlaid with shot 6): "When women participate in negotiations, peace lasts longer. When girls can go to school, entire generations can be lifted out of poverty. When women enjoy equal job opportunities, economies grow stronger. And with parity in political leadership, decisions are fairer, policies are sharper, and societies are more just. Simply put: when women and girls rise, everyone thrives. So, on this International Women's Day, let us be guided by the voices of women and girls around the world – and always choose action over apathy. Let us realize the vision of the Beijing Declaration. Accelerate action. And march forward – for every woman, for every girl, for everyone, everywhere."; [SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE] 6. Antonio Guterres speaking, audience; [SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE] 7. Various of UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous speaking at event, audience; 8. Various of performance, audience; FILE: UN Headquarters, New York City - Date Unknown 9. Buildings, river. [Restriction - No access Chinese mainland, For news purpose only/No archive/Not for other production use]