As the international community moves deeper into the second half of the decade, the urgency to fulfill the promises of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development has never been more pronounced. Against a backdrop of complex global challenges, the UN Women Executive Board is preparing to host its first regular session of 2026, a pivotal gathering that will determine the strategic and operational trajectory of the world’s leading entity for gender equality. Scheduled to take place from Wednesday, February 18, to Thursday, February 19, the session will be held in person at the iconic United Nations Headquarters in New York City. This high-level meeting represents a critical moment for member states to evaluate progress, ensure financial accountability, and reinforce the institutional framework that supports millions of women and girls across the globe.
The session will be formally inaugurated on the morning of February 18 by H.E. Dr. Adonia Ayebare, the President of the Executive Board and the Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Uganda to the United Nations. Ambassador Ayebare’s leadership comes at a time when the Global South is playing an increasingly influential role in shaping the discourse on international development and human rights. Following the opening remarks, the membership will hear a comprehensive statement from Ms. Sima Bahous, the Executive Director of UN Women. Ms. Bahous is expected to outline the organization’s successes over the past year while providing a candid assessment of the hurdles that remain in the fight for female empowerment, including the persistent gender pay gap, the rise of digital violence, and the disproportionate impact of climate change on women in developing nations.
Central to the two-day agenda is a rigorous focus on institutional integrity and financial oversight. In an era where donor confidence is paramount, the Executive Board will prioritize a series of audit and financial matters. This includes the presentation of the financial report and audited financial statements for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024. These documents serve as the bedrock of the organization’s transparency, detailing how resources have been allocated to field offices and global initiatives. The Board will also examine the report of the Board of Auditors, which provides an independent assessment of UN Women’s financial health.
Beyond mere numbers, the discussions will delve into the implementation of recommendations made by the Board of Auditors regarding United Nations funds and programmes. This focus on “management actions” is designed to ensure that UN Women remains a lean, efficient, and highly responsive organization. By addressing outstanding audit recommendations, the entity demonstrates its commitment to continuous improvement and fiduciary responsibility, ensuring that every dollar contributed by member states and private donors is utilized to its maximum potential in the service of gender equality.
A significant portion of the 2026 session will be dedicated to the “UN80” initiative. As the United Nations approaches its 80th anniversary, there is a systemic push to modernize the global body to better meet the demands of the 21st century. The Executive Board will discuss how UN Women fits into this broader reform movement, emphasizing the need for a multilateral system that is inclusive, representative, and effective. This dialogue is intrinsically linked to the Joint Inspection Unit (JIU) review of governance and oversight. This review examines the collective management of several key UN bodies, including UNDP, UNFPA, UNOPS, and UNICEF, alongside UN Women. The goal is to harmonize operations across the “UN family,” reducing redundancy and fostering a “One UN” approach that delivers more cohesive results on the ground.
In addition to structural reforms, the Board will tackle the internal culture of the organization. In recent years, there has been a global reckoning regarding workplace equity, and the United Nations is not exempt from this scrutiny. The session will feature updates on UN Women’s ongoing efforts to enhance its enterprise risk management systems and, perhaps more importantly, the impact of its work on organizational culture. This includes a dedicated focus on the efforts taken to address racism and racial discrimination within the institution. By fostering a workplace that reflects the values of safety, dignity, and equality it promotes abroad, UN Women aims to lead by example, proving that a diverse and inclusive workforce is the most powerful tool for social change.
The interconnectedness of global health and gender rights will also be a key theme, as the Board receives a presentation on the follow-up and implementation of recommendations from the UNAIDS Programme Coordinating Board. Given that women and adolescent girls remain disproportionately affected by the HIV/AIDS epidemic in many regions, the synergy between UN Women and UNAIDS is vital. This collaboration ensures that health interventions are gender-sensitive and that the socio-economic factors driving the epidemic—such as lack of education and gender-based violence—are addressed at their roots.
The human element of the UN’s operations will be brought to the forefront through addresses by the Ombudsman and the Staff Council representing UNDP, UNFPA, UNOPS, and UN Women. These presentations offer a rare glimpse into the internal health of the organization from the perspective of the people who carry out its mission daily. The Board will hear about the challenges faced by staff members, particularly those serving in high-risk or conflict-affected areas, and will review management actions taken to support staff well-being. This focus on internal advocacy underscores the belief that the mission to empower women worldwide must begin with the empowerment and protection of the professionals dedicated to the cause.
The 2026 session comes on the heels of a powerful 2025 call to action, where leaders emphasized that every space—whether physical or digital—must be one of safety and dignity for women and girls. This theme is expected to permeate the February discussions, particularly as the Board reviews how UN Women is adapting to the “offline and online” realities of the modern world. From combating cyber-harassment to ensuring that women have equal access to the digital economy, the 2026 agenda reflects a modern, tech-savvy approach to human rights.
For those unable to attend the proceedings at the UN Headquarters, the session will be made accessible to a global audience. All official documents, including the detailed agenda and policy briefs, have been made available on the Executive Board’s digital portal. Furthermore, the entire session will be broadcast live via UN Web TV, allowing activists, policymakers, and the general public to witness the decision-making process in real-time. This level of accessibility is a testament to the UN’s commitment to transparency and public engagement.
As the delegates prepare to gather in New York, the stakes could not be higher. The decisions made during these two days will influence how UN Women navigates the complexities of a polarized world. Whether it is through refining audit processes, addressing internal systemic biases, or strengthening inter-agency partnerships, the First Regular Session of 2026 is set to be a landmark event. It is a moment for the international community to reaffirm that gender equality is not just a standalone goal, but the very foundation upon which a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable world must be built. The eyes of the world—and particularly the eyes of the women and girls whose lives depend on these policies—will be on the UN Headquarters this February.
