President Xi Jinping on Monday called for more concrete efforts to support women during a global summit in Beijing, where he announced China's pledge to donate millions of US dollars to a United Nations agency that protects women's rights.

Delivering a keynote speech at the Global Leaders' Meeting on Women, Xi said "severe challenges" remained for women's rights with more than 600 million women and girls worldwide trapped in conflict and war and about 10 percent of them living in extreme poverty.

He urged joint efforts around the world in backing women's growth and development and safeguarding their rights and interests.

Xi said world leaders must "ensure that all women share the benefits of economic globalisation", while supporting them in playing a greater role in green development and global governance.

China has made "historic achievements" in advancing women's causes, he said, adding that they are critical in the country's economic development.

To further support women globally, Xi said China would donate US$10 million over the next five years to UN Women and earmark US$100 million for a fund to work with international organisations to bolster the development of women and girls.

Beijing would also invite 50,000 women to the nation as part of an exchange programme to foster talent, Xi added.