What issues matter most to women and girls around the world? After years of crises that have exacerbated poverty and disrupted education, the United Nations wanted to understand exactly how women all over the globe feel about the future and what they’d like to see for the next generation. So, in 2024, the UN launched the We the Women campaign, which includes an ambitious survey of 25,000 women in 185 countries and a report on women's priorities worldwide.

GZERO’s Tony Maciulis spoke with Annemarie Hou, Executive Director of the UN Office for Partnerships, which conducted the campaign, to learn more about the survey, and why there are reasons for hope in the face of so many challenges. An overwhelming 85% of women identify themselves as advocates for women’s rights and believe women’s representation will improve in the next decade. Despite issues like climate, conflict, peace and justice still being top concerns, women are still optimistic.

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Armed security personnel stand guard near the Serena Hotel in Islamabad, Pakistan, on April 19, 2026. Heightened security measures were implemented around the venue ahead of the scheduled second round of technical-level talks between U.S. and Iranian delegations, aimed at reaching a negotiated settlement to the weeks-long conflict that has disrupted global energy supplies.
Middle East Images via Reuters Connect

It’s unclear if the second round of US-Iran talks will go ahead in Pakistan after the US Navy intercepted and seized an Iranian-flagged cargo ship outside the Strait of Hormuz this weekend.