By Iyemah David
Global leaders, activists, and advocates have called for a fundamental shift in power and accountability systems to accelerate gender equality as the “Women Deliver” 2026 Conference opens in Narrm (Melbourne).
This is contained in a statement made available to newsmen on Wednesday, and signed by Kim Lufkin, Director of Communications, ‘’Women Deliver.”
The conference, one of the world’s largest gatherings on gender equality, is bringing together political leaders, civil society actors, funders, health journalists, and young people.
At the centre of deliberations is the forthcoming Melbourne Declaration on Gender Equality, a global political commitment aimed at strengthening state accountability, advancing human rights, and promoting locally led solutions.
Speaking at the opening, Dr Maliha Khan, “Women Deliver” Chief Executive Officer, said the current global gender equality system had become overly dependent on donor priorities, weakening its political strength and sustainability.
“The system that housed our victories created a model of dependency, making millions reliant on donors and organisations is headquartered far away, rather than building conditions for governments to be accountable to their people,” Khan said.
She noted that the conference presented an opportunity not for despair but for renewed global action, urging stakeholders to embrace courage, solidarity, and collective responsibility.
“This is a moment to rebuild a gender equality ecosystem rooted in human rights, accountability, and the leadership of those most affected by injustice,” she added.
The four-day conference, hosted for the first time in the oceanic pacific region, marks a significant shift towards amplifying voices from historically underrepresented communities, particularly First Nations and Pacific feminist movements.
Also speaking, Ms Gabrielle Williams, an Australian politician and a member of the Victorian Labour Party of the Victorian Legislative Assembly, said hosting the conference underscored the region’s commitment to advancing the rights of women and girls globally.
“Progress for women and girls is not guaranteed. It must be fought for, built, and protected. Bringing global leaders together is critical to sustaining that progress,” Williams said.
In her remarks, Ms Noelene Nabulivou, Executive Director of DIVA for Equality in Fiji, emphasised the importance of shifting power to grassroots movements.
“For too long, decisions about our communities have been made elsewhere. The Melbourne Declaration demands that power, resources, and accountability flow to the people and movements drive change,” Nabulivou said.
According to organisers, the declaration, to be formally inaugurated at the close of the conference, will outline a shared commitment to rebalance global gender equality systems by ensuring governments uphold their human rights obligations while civil society holds them accountable.
The conference will also spotlight key global issues, including bodily autonomy, gender-based violence, climate justice, digital rights, adolescent girls’ leadership, and movement funding.
Participants said the outcomes of the conference are expected to shape future policies and partnerships aimed at accelerating progress towards gender equality worldwide.
