by Giulia Ristagno and Isha Gupta
On July 24, 2025, Youth Representatives Giulia Ristagno and Isha Gupta spoke at the Interactive multi-stakeholder hearing on the occasion of the thirtieth anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action on behalf of the Temple of Understanding. This hearing brought together various member state representatives, non-governmental organisations, civil society organisations, academic institutions, and private sector companies in preparation for the high-level meeting of the General Assembly in September.
Stakeholders discussed their progress and contributions to advancing the rights of women and girls, as mandated by the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (BDPfA) and Sustainable Development Goal 5: Gender Equality. While acknowledging the progress made and changes achieved, representatives also committed to a strategic identification of emerging priorities and gaps yet to be filled.
One of the Conference’s priorities was to highlight gender equality as a systemic driver of sustainable development, rather than a consequence of it. Referring to work carried out by the 69th Commission on the Status of Women and leveraging on UN Women’s triple mandate, key speakers, including UN Women’s Executive Director Sima Bahous and 79th General Assembly Vice President H.E. Maurizio Massari, emphasised the importance of system-wide coherence, accountability, and ambition.
Giulia and Isha advocated for gender equality by highlighting the TOU’s women’s initiatives. They stressed the importance of an intersectional approach to gender equality as a precursor to sustainable development, affirming women’s full participation as equal partners and decision-makers. They also focused on TOU’s progress through interfaith discussions and engaging diverse religious communities that respect women, amplify their voices, and establish clear pathways for empowerment and inclusion. They conveyed the importance of a tolerant, intercultural dialogue grounded in action, ensuring youth voices are included and heard.
Speaking at the United Nations had been a lifelong dream for both of the representatives. From the moment they first heard about the Conference, they started working on a concept to highlight the importance of SDG 5 while also incorporating the crucial need for a global and accepting dialogue. Gender equality has been the guiding motive behind both of their personal organizations, Voce contro la violenza (Voices Against Violence) and the Manjula Gupta Foundation (MGF). The enthusiasm that surrounded this event represented the perfect ending to the TOU’s 2025 internship program.
Listen to their speech or read the written statement below.
Temple of Understanding Youth Representatives Statement
Interactive multi-stakeholder hearing on the occasion of the thirtieth anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action
Thursday, 24 July 2025 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Conference Room 4, United Nations Headquarters
Giulia Ristagno and Isha Gupta
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Distinguished Chairs, Excellencies, Delegates, Respected Stakeholders,
Thank you for allowing us to participate in this essential meeting today.
My name is Giulia Ristagno, and I speak as a youth representative of the Temple of Understanding. We have over 60 years of experience in interfaith and intercultural communication, fostering the advancement of gender equality as a core human right.
Through the Temple of Understanding’s leadership in connecting diverse stakeholders, we are committed to supporting peace, justice, and achieving gender equality for all.
In our discussions, we ask religious communities how they respect women, amplify their voices, and ensure there is a clear path forward for empowerment and inclusivity.
Our goal is to promote women’s participation in all aspects of economic, political, social, and cultural life as full and equal partners, decision-makers, and beneficiaries.
Efforts towards attaining gender equality have grown, yet are not sufficient to achieve SDG 5 by 2030. We need a global call to action to invest more resources into constructive dialogue worldwide, strengthening youth voices, promoting inclusivity, and offering innovative solutions.
My name is Isha Gupta, and I am also a youth representative of the Temple of Understanding. Oftentimes, ensuring support from local community leaders and religious groups is key to achieving consensus in favour of more sustainable practices for gender equality.
An intersectional approach to gender equality is a prerequisite to sustainable development. We must ensure universal access to education, health care, and economic opportunity for every woman and girl.
It is essential to pay attention to underlying limitations to gender equality, such as gender-based violence, as well as unique solutions that transcend financing, such as sports participation.
We have seen religious organizations and community leaders working diligently to promote gender equality, and, frequently, these initiatives are spearheaded by youth leaders.
These are not just symbolic gestures—they’re shifting attitudes and saving lives. Let us invest in dialogue that heals, leadership that includes, and systems that sustain.
The road to SDG 5 requires faith in each other—and faith in our shared ability to build a safer, more just world for all.
Thank you.