Gender equality

The commission called for enforcement of the existing rule mandating 33 per cent women’s representation in political parties under the Representation of the People Order. It also proposed institutional reforms within parties to address corruption and create enabling environments for women.

To ensure ethical standards and accountability in media reporting, the commission advocates for the creation of an independent regulatory body. This entity would oversee media practices, addressing issues such as misinformation and unethical journalism.

Sri Lanka’s history of economic instability, marked by multiple currency collapses and inflation crises, has been exacerbated by excessive monetary stimulus and fiscal mismanagement.

In the past five years, 88 per cent of countries have passed laws to eliminate violence against women and girls. 44 per cent are working towards improving the quality of education and training. More girls are now attending secondary and tertiary education compared to boys.

A central concern of the report is India's underutilized demographic dividend. Despite having a large working-age population, the country's labor force participation rate stands at a mere 56.4 percent, significantly lower than its peers.

UNAMA’s quarterly report highlighted sections of the ministry’s law, claiming it imposes new restrictions on women. It stated that the law formalises previous decrees and broadens existing limitations while introducing additional ones.

If current trends continue, Oxfam predicts that five trillionaires will emerge within the next decade. In stark contrast, the number of people living in poverty has remained nearly unchanged since 1990.

This high-profile conference deliberately kept low-key till the last minute for “security reasons gathered 150 delegates, including ministers, ambassadors, scholars, and representatives from 44 Muslim and allied countries, as well as international organizations like UNESCO, UNICEF, the World Bank, and the Saudi-funded Muslim World League.