United Nations, European Union, and World Bank Join Forces to End Violence Against Women and Girls

The United Nations, European Commission, and World Bank Group will make gender equality and ending violence against women and girls a priority of their cooperation to advance the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This commitment was announced today by the United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed, European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jutta Urpilainen, and World Bank Managing Director of Operations Anna Bjerde following their meeting on the sidelines of the 79^th United Nations General Assembly. 

As part of their ambitious gender policy frameworks, the leaders pledged to address gender-based violence as a top global priority central to achieving gender equality in partner countries. They committed to building on the comprehensive Spotlight Initiative model to increase efficiency and achieve impact at scale.

Specifically, they agreed to advance global policy dialogue on gender-based violence, including through shared research, high-visibility events, and collective investment in countries with established Spotlight Initiative programs. This includes leveraging the World Bank’s expertise in data, evidence, and analytics, while securing financing to support national governments whenever possible.   

United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed said: “Our shared commitment today to ending violence against women and girls through the UN Spotlight Initiative is a critical starting point. But the sustainability of this effort is dependent on a whole of system approach, that draws on the capacity and investments of national partners, civil society, and the wider donor community to take collective ownership toward delivering on this promise. You have the commitment of the entire UN system to see this through.” 

European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jutta Urpilainen said: “Our strengthened partnership can turn ambition into action for gender equality and push forward our shared goals for people and planet. Together with the UN and World Bank, we are committed to building a sustainable, equitable future for all. This is what the EU’s Global Gateway strategy is about: unlocking new possibilities and driving positive change in partner countries.”

World Bank Managing Director of Operations Anna Bjerde said: “The World Bank Group's new Gender Strategy zeroes in on eradicating gender-based violence, a global crisis and the gravest form of gender inequality. This powerful tripartite partnership allows us to amplify our efforts to eliminate all forms of violence and create a world where every woman and girl can thrive, free from fear and full of hope and potential.”

At the country level, United Nations Resident Coordinators, Heads of EU Delegations, and World Bank Country Directors will collaborate with national government counterparts, civil society, and other donor partners to drive the necessary changes and establish the services and policy infrastructure needed to end violence against women and girls.