A key highlight of the conference is the launch of the Melbourne Declaration, a landmark commitment aimed at rebalancing power, resources, and accountability across the gender equality landscape. The declaration calls on governments to uphold human rights obligations, empowers civil society and feminist movements to hold institutions accountable, and urges international actors to support — rather than replace — locally led initiatives. Speaking ahead of the opening, Dr Maliha Khan underscored the urgency of collective dialogue.

“This is a critical time for humanity. We must come together — from global leaders to grassroots activists — to address the pressing challenges we face and explore how the gender equality movement can help drive meaningful solutions,” she said. Dr Khan highlighted the importance of inclusive discussions, noting that diverse lived experiences would shape the dialogue and help determine future actions. She also stressed that women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals are disproportionately affected by crises such as climate change, militarisation, and conflict.

“They must not only be recognised as the most affected but also be at the forefront of leadership and solutions,” she added, expressing optimism that the current global challenges could create opportunities for transformative change. Hosting the conference in the Oceanic Pacific region for the first time marks a strategic shift in amplifying voices from underrepresented regions. Dr Khan said the choice of location aims to spotlight both the challenges and innovative solutions emerging from the region.

Victoria’s Minister for Women and Girls, Gabrielle Williams, welcomed the global gathering, stating that the region is proud to host one of the world’s largest forums on women’s rights. “Progress for women and girls is not guaranteed — it must be continuously fought for and protected. Bringing global leaders together is essential to sustaining that progress,” she said. Meanwhile, Noelene Nabulivou, Executive Director of DIVA for Equality and Co-Chair of the Regional Steering Committee for the conference, emphasised the significance of the Melbourne Declaration as both a regional and global call to action.

“For too long, decisions affecting our communities were made elsewhere. This declaration demands that power and resources shift to the people and movements driving change on the ground,” she said. The Melbourne Declaration, shaped through extensive global consultation, is expected to serve as a shared political framework to strengthen human rights accountability while centring the leadership of local and national feminist movements worldwide. The conference is expected to conclude on April 30 with renewed commitments and collaborative strategies aimed at advancing gender equality across the globe.

Geographically, Bangladesh is located near the boundary of several active tectonic plates, including the Indian Plate, the Eurasian Plate, and the Burmese Plate. This positioning places the country within a seismically active zone. Historical records indicate that the region has experienced several strong earthquakes, suggesting that the threat is both real and recurring.

Seismologists have identified a number of fault lines in and around Bangladesh, particularly in the northeastern region such as Sylhet and parts of Chattogram. These areas are considered highly vulnerable due to their proximity to active geological structures. The Dauki Fault, which runs along the border of Bangladesh and India, is often cited as one of the most dangerous sources of potential earthquakes in the region.

One of the major concerns is the lack of earthquake-resistant infrastructure. Rapid and often unplanned urbanization in cities like Dhaka, Chattogram, and Sylhet has resulted in the construction of numerous buildings that do not comply with proper safety standards. Many structures are built without adequate engineering oversight, increasing the risk of collapse during a seismic event.

According to experts, a strong earthquake in or near Dhaka could result in massive casualties and widespread destruction. The capital city, with its high population density and inadequate road networks, would face serious challenges in emergency response and evacuation. Narrow streets and traffic congestion could severely hamper rescue operations.

Public awareness and preparedness are also relatively low. Many people are unaware of basic safety measures to follow during an earthquake. Regular drills, education campaigns, and community-based training programs are still insufficient to ensure nationwide readiness.

In addition, emergency response capacity remains a concern. Although the government has taken steps to improve disaster management systems, including the development of contingency plans and the training of rescue teams, experts say more investment is needed in equipment, coordination, and rapid response mechanisms.

Despite these challenges, efforts are underway to reduce earthquake risks. The government has introduced building codes and guidelines aimed at improving construction standards. Various organizations are also working to raise awareness and strengthen preparedness at the community level.

However, specialists emphasize that implementation remains the key challenge. Strict enforcement of building regulations, retrofitting of vulnerable structures, and expansion of emergency services are essential to minimize potential losses.

As Bangladesh continues to develop and urbanize, the threat of a major earthquake cannot be ignored. Proactive measures taken today could save countless lives in the future, making earthquake preparedness a national priority rather than an afterthought.

The win set up a last-four clash in Sydney on Wednesday against an equally ominous-looking South Korea, who crushed Uzbekistan 6-0 to progress. Hosts Australia face defending champions China in the other semi-final in Perth on Tuesday. Japan were unrelenting, launching waves of first-half attacks without being able to penetrate a solid Philippines defence and the safe hands of young goalkeeper Nina Meollo. They had to wait until the 45th minute to open their account when Tanaka headed in from close range after a frantic goalmouth scramble.

With the Philippines rattled, Koga added the second deep in stoppage time, rising above the defenders to connect with Honoka Hayashi's corner. The second half was played almost exclusively in Philippines territory. The third goal arrived when Eintracht Frankfurt striker Chiba rifled into the left corner before Matsukubo showed deft touch to skip past two defenders and score two minutes later. Koga added the fifth with her head and Tanikawa and Ueki piled on the misery late on. Despite the defeat not all is lost for the Philippines, who move to a play-off game against Uzbekistan and will qualify for Brazil should they win. North Korea take on Taiwan in the second play-off.

They will face the Matildas on Tuesday at the 60,000-seat Perth Stadium after the hosts edged North Korea 2-1 in the last eight. Taiwan now move to a play-off against North Korea with an automatic World Cup spot on the line. The quarter-final had political undertones given China's claim to the self-ruled island of Taiwan, who compete under the name "Chinese Taipei" in international sports events. It is part of a political compromise with China that allows them to take part in major competitions without presenting itself as a sovereign nation. The crowd of 5,238 was relatively split between the fan bases although the Taiwanese contingent were more vocal.

There were some flag-waving Chinese fans wearing shirts with the words "China is my faith" written on the back. Like China, Taiwan has enjoyed strong support at the tournament but controversy erupted in the stands during their last game in Sydney. Former Taiwan coach Chen Kuei-jen was ejected from the stadium for leading a "Taiwan Jiayu", or "Go Taiwan", chant. There did not appear to be a repeat on Saturday. Taiwan are known for their dogged defence but unfurled attacking flair in the early exchanges. China gained control in the midfield and dominated possession and appeared to capitalise just before the interval when Wang Shuang headed home, triggering jubilation from the Chinese fans.

But their celebrations were cut short when the goal was overturned due to a handball by Wang earlier in the chain. China put the foot on the gas after the break, but Taiwan threatened on the counter-attack. In the last stages of regulation time, substitute Yao Wei's bullet hit the crossbar as the match went into extra-time where Shao stepped up.

Victory over Uzbekistan would have significantly improved the women in red and green’s chances of reaching the quarterfinals, which could also have opened pathways towards qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup and the Olympic qualifiers. Instead, Bangladesh will return home with the consolation of valuable experience gained against stronger and more established continental opponents. Uzbekistan -- themselves desperate to end a run of five straight defeats in the tournament -- started aggressively and applied sustained pressure on Bangladesh, who struggled to contain their opponents while maintaining a high defensive line.

Bangladesh suffered an early setback when Diyorakhon Khabibullaeva scored from a swift counterattack in the 10th minute to give Uzbekistan the lead -- a goal that even China PR and DPR Korea had not managed to score as early against Bangladesh in the competition. Uzbekistan nearly doubled their advantage in the 23rd minute when Khabibullaeva broke through again, but Maria Manda produced an excellent recovery tackle from behind to deny the forward with goalkeeper Mile Akter already beaten. Peter Butler's charges responded with a late surge before the interval, creating a couple of promising chances.

However, Uzbekistan goalkeeper Maftuna Jonimoulova made a brilliant save off a Ritu Porna Chakma's long-range effort, while a last-ditch defensive intervention denied Kohati Kisku after she threatened inside the box. After the restart, Bangladesh continued to push for an equaliser, but Uzbekistan capitalised on the spaces left behind. Substitute Dildora Nozmova struck twice in quick succession from close range in the 62nd and 66th minutes to extend the lead before Nilufar Kudratova sealed the result with a left-footed finish in the 88th minute.

It took the hosts until the 22nd minute to make the breakthrough as James got free down the left and picked out Bronze's run to the back post, although the Chelsea full back still had a lot to do to beat Cecilia Runarsdottir with a header that floated into the far corner. England, going in search of a second goal to give them breathing space, hit the post twice before half-time as the elusive James proved impossible to stop down the left - but the visitors defended stubbornly to frustrate the European champions. And were it not for a world-class save from Hampton, who somehow dived full length to claw away Sandra Jessen's header that seemed destined for the far corner, Iceland would have drawn level on the hour mark.

Hildur Antonsdottir in action with England's Georgia Stanway and Jess Park That scare woke up a listless England, with Stanway soon doubling their lead with a well-struck volley into the bottom corner having been found by Bronze's cross from the right-hand byline for her 32nd international goal. However, England know that it will be their double header with Spain that will ultimately decide whether they progress automatically to Brazil next year, or have to face the uncertainty of the play-offs. "An important win. I think we played well, we know they're very disciplined, very powerful and really dangerous on the counter.

"For the most part, we took that out so they didn't become dangerous. They had that one chance where Hannah Hampton did really well. "Overall, we showed some good football. Of course, we want to score more goals but it starts with winning the game, and we created so many chances. If we're so dominant, we'd like to score more goals. "What you saw on Tuesday against Ukraine, and now Iceland they're just so disciplined in defence, it's really hard to break through. If I look at the development of the team, how do we do better in the final third? Even from Tuesday to today, I saw some things we added."

This led to seven minutes of stoppage time in the first half and 13 minutes at the end of the second. Australia opened the scoring after just nine minutes when Amy Sayer put in what looked like a cross, only for it to loop over the head of goalkeeper Maryam Yektaei. Manchester City's Mary Fowler doubled the score after 27 minutes with her 17th goal for the Matildas when Yektaie spilled the ball and Fowler poked it home. Kennedy scored eight minutes later with a lovely strike from inside the box after being teed up by Sam Kerr, giving the Matildas a 3-0 lead at the break. Australia would have expected to continue their scoring in the second period, but apart from Kennedy's second goal in the 58th minute, they had nothing more to show for their dominance. South Korea earlier cruised into the final eight with a dominant 3-0 win over an outmatched Philippines. The South Koreans, runners-up to China in 2022, scored two goals in the first half and one in the second to book their place in the final eight. The Philippines tried to take the game to South Korea, but never really looked like scoring.

By contrast, the South Koreans looked dangerous every time they attacked, and were rewarded in the 12th minute when Jeon Yu-gyeong got the ball in the box, turned sharply and fired low past goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel. They made it 2-0 three minutes later, Park Soo-Jeong finding space outside the box and sending a left foot rocket past McDaniel into the top right hand corner. The Philippines did well in defence to snuff out the South Korean chances, but 16 minutes into the second half, Mun Eun-ju took advantage of a scramble in the box to volley home from close range and seal the match.

As a deltaic nation crisscrossed by hundreds of rivers, Bangladesh is naturally prone to floods and cyclones. However, climate change is intensifying these hazards. Erratic rainfall, prolonged floods, and increasingly powerful storms are becoming more frequent, disrupting livelihoods and damaging critical infrastructure.

In recent years, the country has experienced record-breaking temperatures and unpredictable weather patterns. Heatwaves have become more intense, affecting both urban and rural populations. Farmers are struggling to adapt as traditional planting seasons shift, leading to lower crop yields and rising food insecurity.

The coastal belt remains the most vulnerable region. Rising sea levels are gradually inundating land, while saltwater intrusion is affecting drinking water sources and agricultural fields. Many coastal families are losing their homes and means of income, forcing them to migrate inland in search of survival.

Urban areas are also under pressure. Cities like Dhaka and Chattogram are witnessing a steady influx of climate-displaced people. This rapid urbanization is creating challenges such as housing shortages, traffic congestion, and increased demand for basic services, including water and healthcare.

Environmental degradation is another growing concern. Wetlands and forests, which act as natural buffers against disasters, are under threat due to both climate change and human activities. The Sundarbans, the world’s largest mangrove forest, is particularly at risk from rising salinity and sea-level rise, endangering its rich biodiversity.

Economically, the cost of climate change is mounting. Losses in agriculture, fisheries, and infrastructure run into billions of dollars each year. Small-scale farmers and day laborers are among the hardest hit, widening inequality and deepening poverty in vulnerable communities.

Health experts are also raising alarms over climate-related risks. Increased temperatures and waterlogging are contributing to the spread of diseases such as dengue, malaria, and diarrhea. Children and the elderly are especially at risk.

Despite these challenges, Bangladesh has taken notable steps to address climate change. From developing climate-resilient crop varieties to investing in disaster preparedness and renewable energy, the country is actively working to build resilience. Its efforts have been recognized internationally as a model for adaptation.

Nevertheless, experts stress that Bangladesh cannot tackle this crisis alone. As a country that contributes very little to global emissions, it continues to demand climate justice, urging developed nations to reduce emissions and provide adequate financial and technological support.

The reality is clear: climate change is no longer a distant threat for Bangladesh—it is a present and growing crisis. The actions taken today, both at home and globally, will determine the country’s ability to safeguard its people and secure a sustainable future.

South Asia has, without doubt, produced some of the world’s most prominent female political leaders. Figures such as Sheikh Hasina, Indira Gandhi, and Benazir Bhutto have shattered traditional barriers, proving that women can lead nations with strength and strategic vision. However, these high-profile examples often create an illusion of widespread empowerment, overshadowing the everyday realities faced by millions of women who remain excluded from meaningful participation in decision-making processes.

Education has emerged as a powerful catalyst for change. In Bangladesh, increased female enrollment in schools has contributed to greater awareness, confidence, and aspiration among young women. This transformation has begun to challenge long-standing cultural norms. However, education alone has not been sufficient to dismantle systemic patriarchy. Many educated women still encounter societal pressure that restricts their career choices, mobility, and personal autonomy, with early marriage and family expectations continuing to shape their futures.

Economic participation offers another dimension of this complex landscape. The expansion of industries such as ready-made garments has enabled millions of women, particularly in Bangladesh, to enter the workforce and achieve a degree of financial independence. Yet, this empowerment often remains limited in scope. Low wages, job insecurity, and inadequate working conditions reveal that economic inclusion does not automatically translate into dignity or long-term advancement. In many cases, empowerment becomes conditional rather than transformative.

Perhaps the most significant barrier to genuine empowerment lies within societal attitudes. Across South Asia, women are still frequently defined by their roles within the family rather than as independent individuals. Issues such as gender-based violence, workplace harassment, and unequal access to justice continue to undermine progress. While legal frameworks have been established in many countries, weak enforcement and social stigma often prevent women from seeking or obtaining justice.

The region also reflects a stark contrast between urban and rural realities. In metropolitan areas, women are increasingly visible as entrepreneurs, professionals, and public figures. Meanwhile, in rural communities, many still struggle for basic rights, including access to education, healthcare, and freedom of movement. This uneven progress has resulted in a fragmented model of empowerment—one that benefits a segment of society while leaving a significant portion behind.

True empowerment cannot be measured solely by statistics or symbolic achievements. It requires a fundamental cultural transformation—one that redefines gender roles, promotes equal opportunities, and ensures that rights are not only recognized but also protected. Importantly, this transformation must involve men as active participants in fostering equality, rather than passive observers.

South Asia is not lacking in potential; it is grappling with inconsistency. The journey toward women empowerment in the region is neither linear nor uniform. It is shaped by an ongoing tension between tradition and modernity. Until societies are willing to confront these contradictions with honesty and commitment, empowerment will remain more aspirational than actual.

The future of South Asia depends on its ability to move beyond symbolic progress and embrace substantive change. Women empowerment must not be treated merely as a development agenda—it must be recognized as an essential foundation for justice, stability, and sustainable growth.

Located in the low-lying delta of the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers, Bangladesh is highly susceptible to rising sea levels, cyclones, floods, and salinity intrusion. Experts warn that if current trends continue, nearly one-third of the country’s coastal areas could be submerged by the end of the century, potentially displacing millions of people.

One of the most visible impacts is the increasing frequency and intensity of natural disasters. Cyclones such as Sidr, Aila, Amphan, and Mocha have caused widespread devastation in recent years, damaging homes, infrastructure, and agricultural land. Flooding, particularly during the monsoon season, has also intensified, affecting millions annually and leading to significant crop losses.

Salinity intrusion in coastal districts is another major concern. As seawater encroaches into freshwater systems, agricultural productivity declines, drinking water becomes scarce, and public health risks increase. Farmers are often forced to shift from traditional crops to salt-tolerant varieties, which are less profitable.

Climate change is also accelerating riverbank erosion, rendering thousands of people homeless every year. Many of these displaced individuals migrate to urban areas, particularly Dhaka, where they face overcrowding, unemployment, and poor living conditions. This growing number of “climate refugees” is placing additional strain on already limited urban resources.

The economic impact is substantial. According to various studies, Bangladesh loses billions of dollars annually due to climate-related disasters. Key sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, and infrastructure are under constant threat, which in turn affects national development and poverty reduction efforts.

Health risks are also on the rise. Warmer temperatures and changing rainfall patterns contribute to the spread of waterborne and vector-borne diseases, including dengue and cholera. Malnutrition is another growing concern, especially among vulnerable communities affected by food insecurity.

Despite these challenges, Bangladesh has been globally recognized for its proactive approach to climate adaptation. The government has implemented various initiatives, including the construction of cyclone shelters, coastal embankments, and early warning systems. Community-based adaptation programs and investments in climate-resilient infrastructure have also shown promising results.

However, experts emphasize that national efforts alone are not enough. Bangladesh continues to call for stronger international cooperation, climate finance, and technology transfer from developed nations to effectively combat the impacts of climate change.

As the climate crisis intensifies, Bangladesh stands as a stark example of the urgent need for global action. Without immediate and sustained efforts, the country’s environmental and socio-economic stability may face unprecedented risks in the coming decades.

The resolution, drafted by Norway and supported by all 15 council members, reinforces UNAMA’s central role in promoting dialogue, protecting human rights, supporting humanitarian coordination, and advocating for the rights of women and minorities under Afghanistan’s current de facto authorities.

Speaking after the vote, Special Representative of the Secretary-General Roza Otunbayeva called the renewal “a vital act of solidarity” and reiterated the UN’s commitment to the Afghan people.

“This resolution reflects the international community’s continued engagement, even under extraordinary circumstances. Our mission remains to support an inclusive, sovereign, united, and peaceful Afghanistan,” she said in her address to the Council.

Despite limited access in some provinces and increasing restrictions on women, UNAMA has maintained field operations in 12 provinces and continues to coordinate life-saving aid reaching over 23 million Afghans, including women and children.

The Security Council’s decision comes amid rising concerns about regional instability along Afghanistan’s northern and western borders, increased ISIS-K activity, and worsening economic conditions exacerbated by international banking restrictions and climate-induced drought.

Western diplomats acknowledged that although the Taliban regime remains unrecognized by the UN, engagement is necessary to ensure that humanitarian operations are not politicized or obstructed.

The resolution also requested that the Secretary-General submit a detailed report on UNAMA’s activities and the political situation in Afghanistan by June 30, 2025.

Meanwhile, civil society organizations welcomed the renewal but urged the UN to push harder for restoration of girls’ secondary education, a right that has remained suspended since August 2021.

Background

• UNAMA was originally established in 2002 after the fall of the Taliban regime.
• Since 2021, it has operated under constrained conditions following the Taliban’s return to power.
• Afghanistan remains one of the world’s largest humanitarian emergencies, with over 70% of the population needing aid.

The resolution, passed unanimously in a closed-door session at UN Headquarters in New York, follows the unexpected resignation of Judge Xue Hanqin of China, who stepped down citing personal reasons and health concerns. Judge Xue, a seasoned jurist and former vice president of the Court, had been serving since 2010 and was widely respected for her contributions to international legal jurisprudence, particularly on issues of sovereignty, maritime boundaries, and multilateral treaties.

In accordance with the Statute of the ICJ, both the UN Security Council and the General Assembly will vote independently but concurrently to elect a new judge to serve out the remainder of Judge Xue’s term, which is set to expire in 2030.

“The International Court of Justice plays a vital role in the peaceful settlement of disputes between states, and this election ensures that there will be no interruption in its functioning,” said UN Under-Secretary-General for Legal Affairs Miguel de Serpa Soares in a brief statement to reporters.

Diplomatic sources have confirmed that several member states are expected to nominate candidates with expertise in public international law, and lobbying efforts are already underway in Geneva and The Hague. Observers believe that the election could become a strategic litmus test for emerging global alliances, particularly amid growing geopolitical tensions in Eastern Europe and the Red Sea.

The ICJ, often referred to as the "World Court," is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations. It settles legal disputes between states and gives advisory opinions on legal questions referred by authorized UN organs and specialized agencies.

This upcoming election marks the second such mid-term judicial replacement in the past five years and underscores the importance of safeguarding judicial continuity amid global uncertainty.