The theme for the session will focus on reviewing and appraising the Beijing Platform for Action (BPfA) and YWCAs are encouraged to start planning their participation and contribution.

2010 marks the 15th anniversary of the Beijing World Conference on Women. The fourth in a series of World Conference for women, the Beijing conference defined a clear direction for women’s advancement by adopting the BPfA. Many YWCAs participated at the conference and have since worked to promote the BPfA in their communities.

Regional 15-year review processes

Regional review processes - including the preparation of regional review reports and the organisation of regional intergovernmental meetings - are being undertaken in all five regions by the United Nations regional commissions - ECA, ECE, ECLAC, ESCAP, ESCWA.

The schedule for the regional meetings organised by the regional commissions is as follows:

• Economic Commission for Africa (ECA): Africa regional review meeting, 26 October 2009, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia ECA Beijing+15 page

• Economic Commission for Europe (ECE): regional meeting in preparation for the 15-year review of implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action, 2 to 3 November 2009, Geneva, Switzerland
  ECE Beijing+15 page

• Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC): 3 to 6 July 2010 ECLAC Beijing+15 page

• Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP): High-level Intergovernmental Meeting (HLM) to review the regional implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action adopted at the Fourth World Conference on Women (Beijing, 1995) and the outcome of the twenty-third special session of the General Assembly (2000) for the ESCAP region (date to be determined), United Nations Conference Centre, Bangkok, Thailand ESCAP Beijing+15 page

• Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA): expert group meeting for the 15-year review of the Beijing Conference, 19 to 20 October 2009, fourth session of the Committee on Women, 21 to 23 October 2009, Beirut, Lebanon
  ESCWA Beijing+15 page

'Ecumenical Women at the United Nations' have released a guide for regional meetings reviewing the landmark Beijing Platform for Action entitled “Resurrect Beijing! Calling for a Renewed Commitment to Women’s Rights.” Download a copy here.