Over the last 25 years, the world has made tremendous strides in shaping a more gender-equal world. Still, millions of adolescent girls and young women face barriers to realizing their health and rights. At a time when the COVID-19 pandemic has created new setbacks and widened the gulf for girls and women, the Generation Equality Forum (GEF),which began in Mexico City in March and culminates in Paris in June, affords us a unique opportunity to accelerate progress for all.

The upcoming Forum at Paris presents a moment for decision makers to come forward and make bigger, bolder commitments for gender equality. But real progress cannot be achieved without the meaningful engagement and co-leadership of adolescents and young people.