Girls Speak Out 2026
A large group of advocates and leaders from throughout the world gathered at the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Chamber for the Girls Speak Out 2026 event celebrating the International Day of the Girl.
The conclusion of September’s High Level Week at the United Nations brings on a buzz of activity. Like many other organizations, much of the work done by the Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO’s) at the United Nations is done by Committees or as they are called at the United Nations, Working Groups. One of the Working Groups that I am a member is the Working Group for Girls (WGG). This is a global NGO coalition that advocates for the human and legal rights of girls at the United Nations and across international systems. Its mission is to advance girls’ rights globally, ensure equal inclusion in decisions that affect them, end gender-based violence, and expand access to education, healthcare, and justice.
Annually, WGG partners with UN Permanent Missions, UNICEF, and UN Women, to host the annual Girls Speak Out event in advance of the International Day of the Girl. The Speak Out is a day for girls to take the mic, share their ideas, speak about the issues that matter to them, and be heard.
This year’s Girls Speak Out took place on Friday, October 9, 2026. Girls from all over the world gathered both in person at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City and via virtual. This year’s theme was “Advancing Equality, Accelerating Action: Building a World Where Girls Thrive”. The “Speak Out” event serves as a platform for girls to connect, learn, and engage with policymakers through and “Intergenerational Townhall,” where girls share their needs and recommendations.
Sponsoring Member States included Canada, Peru, and Turkey. Girl advocates from around the world delivered a unified message that every girl deserves the right to choose her future, stay in school, live safely, and have her voice heard. The visions of these girls can only be realized if they are given the active support of girls’ allies—individuals, communities, and governments who are willing to listen, acct, and invest in solutions that promote girls’ rights.
Sr. Ann Pratt – DSIC United Nations Representative
