HeForShe Summit 2024: Celebrating a Decade of Impact and Paving the Way for Gender Equality

As the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA79) approaches, HeForShe will host the 2024 HeForShe Summit, a landmark event marking the 10th anniversary of the transformative HeForShe initiative. The Summit, set against the backdrop of the high-level week of UNGA79 and the Summit of the Future, will be a pivotal moment for advancing gender equality and reinforcing global commitments to achieving sustainable development goals by 2030. 

Since its inception in 2014 by Global Goodwill Ambassador Emma Watson, HeForShe has ignited a global movement, engaging over 3 million men and individuals of all genders in championing gender equality. Over the past decade, the initiative has driven approximately 3 billion conversations on topics ranging from closing the pay gap to combating violence against women. The HeForShe Alliance has reached over 36.9 million beneficiaries, including those in crisis-affected areas. Internally, the Alliance engages over 307,000 employees across multiple organizations, integrating gender equality into workplaces, with at least $5.7 million in direct investments towards gender equality. The Summit will celebrate these milestones, showcasing the significant strides made by HeForShe Champions across countries, companies, campuses, and communities. 

Marking its 10th anniversary, HeForShe will launch the 2024 HeForShe IMPACT Report at the Summit. This report highlights the cumulative results of the Alliance's efforts and showcases how coordinated action can drive transformative change for women and girls worldwide. It details significant achievements, including a notable increase in female representation across organizations, with 45% of Champions enhancing overall female representation and 64% boosting women in top leadership positions. Additionally, 50% of Champions have increased the percentage of women on their boards. The report not only celebrates these accomplishments but also sets a strong foundation as we look forward to Beijing+30, continuing our commitment to advancing gender equality. 

The 2024 Summit will be a platform for welcoming new partners into the HeForShe Alliance, highlighting their commitments to advancing gender equality. This inclusion reflects a growing recognition of the role that meaningful and accountable male leadership plays in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Beijing Platform for Action. 

The Summit aligns with the themes of UNGA79 and the Summit of the Future, emphasizing the importance of multilateral solutions and the role of gender equality in achieving a shared vision for 2030. As the global community prepares for the Beijing+30 review in early 2025, HeForShe will contribute to the discourse on progress and challenges in gender equality, reinforcing the need for inclusive and effective solutions. 

The HeForShe Summit 2024 will feature a dynamic lineup of speakers and events: 

Ms. Sima Bahous, Executive Director of UN Women and Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations, will set the tone for the Summit, reflecting on HeForShe's first decade and the road ahead. Heads of state will deliver inspiring addresses, sharing their perspectives on gender equality and the role of male allies. Moderated by UN Women Goodwill Ambassador Anne Hathaway, a panel featuring HeForShe Champions will delve into best practices and strategies for accelerating progress on gender equality. 

The HeForShe Summit 2024 is not just a celebration but a call to action. As the world reflects on the past decade and looks forward to the future, the Summit will underscore the vital role of men and boys in the pursuit of gender equality. It will also serve as a catalyst for renewed commitments and collaborative efforts to advance the SDGs and achieve a more just and equitable world by 2030.