Statements made at the General Assembly Debate, September 2016

"But after major massacres such as the one (on August 25, 2012) which claimed hundreds of lives, mostly women and children, the city was forced, like other cities, to defend itself."

References to Gender Equality:

"...meet the aspirations of the Syrian people and maintain the unity and sovereignty of Syria, on the basis of equal rights for all citizens of Syria, without discrimination on the basis of faith, creed, ethnicity". 

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has been driving the push for worldwide action on

climate change and gender equality. Latvia is grateful to him for his leadership and

dedication over the past decade.

We collectively committed to humanity, with renewed focus on conflict prevention and resolution, strengthened efforts towards sustainable development, equal opportunities for all, promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls.

Quotes/References to WPS:

"When the outlaws of Islam, the khaware, murder; when they plunder; when they exploit children and reject the equality of women before God-they abuse Islam"

Quotes/References to WPS:

"Much more men and women have an access to healthcare, more girls can attend schools than anytime in the past"

"When a terrorist group enslaves, slaughters, and takes hope from men, women and chilren, it is not a single nation's problem"

Quotes/References to WPS and Peacekeeping:

"Whether it is out continuing commitment to UN Peacekeeping and sending our men and women in uniform to protect ordinary people in troubled parts of the world, or our lead role in drawing global attention to the urgent need for action on climate change".

"We have collectively pledged to mobilize the global community to end all forms of poverty, fight inequality, and tackle climate change"

Quotes/References to WPS:

"To this end, I would like to highlight the opportunity for reinforcing the preventative capability of the United Nations offered by the process of review of the Peace and Security architecture, including in the women, peace and security dimension"

"On the issue of human rights, too, we have come a long way in gender equality, although much still needs to be done. This is a topic of cross-cutting importance, particularly in the context of the 2030 Agenda and the Women, Peace and Security agenda.

Quotes/References to WPS:

"Among these priorities are issues of youth and women. Like many governments in developing countries the challenge of integrating youth and women in our societies and economies remains". 

"If we do not succeed at mainstreaming gender and integrating youth in our vision, goals and agendas, we shall fall miserably short of our ambition. This is why Kenya continues to remain focused on the priorities of youth and women including building and financing special programs for their full integration and mainstreaming"

Reference to Human Rights:
"I heard from women and girls who still face inequality in the workplace and violence just because they are women, even in a progressive country like Canada."

Reference to Sexual & Gender-Based Violence (SGBV):
"I heard from women and girls who still face inequality in the workplace and violence just because they are women, even in a progressive country like Canada."

Reference to Peacekeeping:
"In order to help  promote peace and security in areas affected by instability, we reaffirmed oru support for NATO and committed ourselves to expanding Canada's role in United Nations peacekeeping operations."

Reference to Displacement:
"To that end, in recent months, Canadians have opened their arms and their hearts to families fleeing the ongoing conflict in Syria. And from the moment they arrived, those 31,000 refugees were welcomed-- not as burdens, but as neighbours and friends. As new Canadians."

Ban Ki-Moon has laid the groundwork for reforming the UN’s peacekeeping operations and shown strong leadership on gender issues.

Quotes/References to WPS:

"Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls"

"Nevertheless, there is no harm in singling out and highlighting this problem of the pseudo-ideology that exploits identities of peaople (religion, tribe, gender, etc.)". 

Quotes/References to WPS:

"Women’s participation (economic): Some of the deliberate measures my government has taken include promoting women participation in the area of commerce, trade and industry"

Quotes/References to WPS:

"We are confident that we will join the global drive towards ensuring a life of dignity for all and we will spare no effort in working to free our fellow men, women and children from the abject and dehumanising conditions of extreme poverty". 

Quotes/References to WPS: NONE

Quotes/References to WPS:

"Brutal and long-term conflicts claim the hundreds of thousands of victims and destroy the lives of millions of people, mostly women and children".

“Amidst current conflicts and crises it is important to ensure that women do not fall victim to gender-based violence and that they are also included in conflict resolution and peace negotiations. Therefore it is important to continue to implement UNSCR resolution 1325 and related resolutions on women, peace and Security.”

Quotes/References to WPS:

“Mr President, as you are aware, we have, in the past, adopted agendas, declarations and action programmes which raised great hopes in the world among youths, women and men in the cities and countryside”

Quotes/References to WPS:

"We have hastened to put in place major relevant policy decisions and enacted appropriate legislations to empower women, improve the situation of youth and ensure that the physically challenged are not marginalised."

Quotes/References to WPS:

"Denmark was extremely proud to host the Women Deliver conference in Copenhagen earlier this year. The conference was a testimony to the importance that Denmark places on ensuring women’s and girls’ full and equal enjoyment of all human rights. A plethora of programs, initiatives and strategies were showcased at the conference"

"Studies tell us that when a girl receives just one additional year of education, she can increase her earnings by up to 20 per cent. That is important, not only for her, but also for her family, her community, and her country". 

Quotes/References to WPS:

"Investment in people at the forefront based on the principles of tolerance, acceptance of the other, and equality among all, without discrimination between men and women".

"The empowerment of women has become a central policy in our country because of our belief in their pioneering societal role, their active contributions to generation-building, and their success in doing so".

Quotes/Reference to WPS:

"We reiterate our commitment to continue to address extreme poverty, to empower women and girls, to bring marginalised communities into mainstream society, and to make their voices heard". 

Quotes/References to WPS:

“This has been a year of atrocious, terrorist attacks against innocent victims – bystanders, men, women and children who have been killed while going about their daily lives…”.

“As we consider all of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) - as we think all the way out to 2030, and consider the mid-points, including 2023 - we must not only be ambitious with policy, but also to define the solid financial pathway needed to get there.”

Quotes/References to WPS: None

Quotes/References to WPS:

“strengthening citizenship and protection of human rights, especially of women and children and youth, as well as expand the space for individual and collective freedoms, in accordance with the approach put human rights at the heart of human development”

Quotes/References to WPS:

“Under Good Governance, we have prioritized economic growth, increased Labor, the Reduction of Poverty and Inequality, with Gender Equality, with Macroeconomic Stability, with sovereignty, security and harmony with Mother Earth”

“Nicaragua has been recognized by the World Economic Forum as one of the most successful countries in Gender Equality, the safest country in Central America and one of the safest countries in Latin America, one of the three countries most secure for Investment and with a sustained economic growth of around 5% of GDP in the last five years.  We have achieved this success with a model of partnerships, dialogue and consensus under the leadership of our Government, with the Private Sector and Workers”

Quotes/References to WPS:

“we believe that it is important to sit down and analyze the deep-rooted causes of mass

exodus of young men, women and children, who find it necessary to risk their lives in the wild seas, in search for better opportunities”

Quotes/References to WPS:

“The development and implementation of public policy should fully incorporate the creation of jobs and economic opportunities for the most vulnerable sectors of society, particularly women and young people, with the aim of effectively including them in socioeconomic life and realising their full potential”.

Quotes/References to WPS:

“The UN has made great accomplishments which would not have been possible without the many men and women that work for the United Nations and I would like to pay tribute to all of them”

“We cannot accomplish SDGs unless there is a profound change in economic and political governance as they exist today (…) Achieving SDGs in an unstable and chaotic world will be a non linear process”

“Although not all Millennium Development Goals were reached, progress was made. (…) the Mother and child mortality also were reduced in half”

Quotes/References to WPS:

“Equality between women and men is still not a reality”.

“65 million women and men worldwide are refugees”

“We must also guarantee the dignity of every human being. And be especially vigilant for the most vulnerable, women and children”.

Quotes/References to WPS:

“rights of men and women, the inviolable principle of parity subjects of international law and the right of peoples to self”

Quotes/References to WPS:

“143 Hungarian men and women have been taking part in actions against ISIS, serving in Iraq as a force protection unit and as trainers of the peshmergas”.

Quotes/References to WPS:

“continuing commitment to provide civilian policemen and women for United Nations peacekeeping operations around the world”.

Quotes/References to WPS:

“We implement infrastructure, diverse economy, business, and the promotion of youth and women entrepreneurship”

“Our belief is that the SDGs should enable us to make the world give priority to the most vulnerable groups, that are women, youth, and children, and people affected by conflict and disaster”

Quotes/References to WPS:

“Particular attention is therefore granted to the specific needs of young people and women in terms of education, health and employment”

“This is particularly the case concerning the protection of women's rights. Two important laws had been promulgated, the one on gender parity, and that changing the outdated provisions of the Family Code in order to comply with this & international legislation in force. Other reforms are underway”

“As for violence against women, reliable indicators inform a net decrease of cases of sexual violence in 2014 and 2015, a decrease of 50%.”

Quotes/References to WPS:

“Luxemburg has worked actively to establish the 17 SDGs”

“The high level summit reminded us of the massive challenged caused by the movement of refugees and migrants in the recent months and years. This is a challenge that can only be addressed globally (…) Last year my country held the presidency of the European Union were migrant was of central concern. In European terms, solidarity and burden sharing are as vital as migration policy as is border control and respect for the Dublin rules”

Reference to Conflict Prevention:
"The UN, for its part, can help to defuse latent conflict through conflict prevention, mediation and, if necessary, preventative peace operations."

Reference to Human Rights:
"Gender equality and the political, economic and social empowerment of girls and women are key drivers in Sustainable development and in combating climate change. in my own country gender equality has been vital in oru rise from poverty to prosperity. I welcome all efforts that raise the issue, such as the HeForShe movement initiated by UN Women. I am personally involved in this important work. But the UN and its Member States still have a long way to go to meet the target of gender."

Reference to Participation:
"The next Secretary-General will be a subject of almost colossal expectations. Finland welcomes a selection process that is more transparent and more inclusive. We also welcome the fact that so many female candidates are seeking the position."

New Zealand is also working to make the Council more effective in Conflict prevention.

We want to make the Council better at responding to political crises before they spiral out of Contro.

There is no lack of mandate for conflict prevention. It's in the Charter.

There is no lack of information about escalating situations. We see the evidence of this - often in the most heart-breaking images in the media,

The problem is that we don't always have the will and we don't use the tools available to

S.

Many States block action, asserting sovereignty and ignoring the rest of the Charter. Others don't want to spend the money,

Most have bilateral or national interests. And leaders of countries in political crisis often don't want their actions to be on the Council's agenda.

But we cannot ignore the growing gap between the humanitarian costs of picking up the pieces after conflict and the amount the UN allocates to prevent conflict.

The shortfall is growing at an unsustainable rate, while the peace operations budget is increasing year on year.

But this is not about money. It is about saving lives.

Quotes./References to WPS:

"That means being inclusive, especially of women, because if they are not reaching their potential, then none of us are. I am proud to be a HeForShe and urge others to support this important campaign". 

Quotes/References to WPS: None

Quotes/References to WPS:

“The issue of gender equality should be also considered within the selection process. We believe that a possible decision to elect a female candidate as the UN Secretary-General will resonate well with the growing international expectations in this regard.”

Reference to women: “We marked the sixtieth anniversary of the 1956 Women's March against discriminatory and racist laws and the 40" anniversary of the June 16" 1976 Youth uprising against apartheid.

Reference to women: “The Women's March in 1956 brought the gender dimension of the struggle and the equal role of women in the fight against white domination, oppression and injustice into sharp focus.

Further, since 2010, Trinidad and Tobago introduced and sponsored General Assembly resolution "Women, Disarmament, Non-proliferation and Arms Control" encouraging women's participation in all disarmament, non-proliferation and arms control decision-making processes at the local, regional and national levels.

The destruction of homes, hospitals, schools and other infrastructure forces people to leave. Without these weapons the world would be a safer place - especially for children, women and elderly people.

Quotes/References to WPS:

"Investment in people at the forefront based on the principles of tolerance, acceptance of the other, and equality among all, without discrimination between men and women".

"The empowerment of women has become a central policy in our country because of our belief in their pioneering societal role, their active contributions to generation-building, and their success in doing so".

Quotes/Reference to WPS:

"We reiterate our commitment to continue to address extreme poverty, to empower women and girls, to bring marginalised communities into mainstream society, and to make their voices heard". 

Quotes/References to WPS: None

Quotes/References to WPS: None

Quotes/References to WPS:

None.

Quotes/Refernces to WPS:

“The achievements of Bahraini women at the international level, notably election to the membership of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) and the Executive Board of UN Women; and its first place internationally for the highest growth rate of women's participation in economic activities as documented in the ILO's report for this year…”

“...close cooperation between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United Nations and the keen interest of my country, represented by the Supreme Council for Women under the leadership of H.R.H. Princess Sabika Bint Ibrahim Al-Khalifa, in enhancing the empowerment of Bahraini women nationally and internationally and accelerating their participation in all government and community sectors as a principal component that has contributed, and will continue to contribute, to the process of community development and progress.”

Quotes/References to WPS: None

Quotes/References to WPS:

“The Deputy President and the government used its forces in the liberated provinces, and now this destructive project, led by Iran through mercenaries in Yemen in the books of men are paid today by coup grudges revenge against our people and the payment of children and women to the fronts of death is without conscience and inhuman”

“Yemen extends our hand to everyone to build a new Yemen, and despite what caused the revolutionary project of the severe damage to the political, social, economic and cultural level, we are still look at them as a class. Yemeni sex workers must return to the right nor expropriate the right in the future, we are still looking for a decent living and secure life for all Yemenis”.

Quotes/References to WPS:

“strengthening citizenship and protection of human rights, especially of women and children and youth, as well as expand the space for individual and collective freedoms, in accordance with the approach put human rights at the heart of human development”

Quotes/References to WPS: None

Quotes/References to WPS: None

Quotes/References to WPS:

“The issue of gender equality should be also considered within the selection process. We believe that a possible decision to elect a female candidate as the UN Secretary-General will resonate well with the growing international expectations in this regard.”

Quotes/References to WPS: none

Quotes/References to WPS:

“143 Hungarian men and women have been taking part in actions against ISIS, serving in Iraq as a force protection unit and as trainers of the peshmergas”.

Quotes/References to WPS:

“The peace agreement remains facing serious challenges amongst (…) and the asymmetrical attacks on peaceful civilians, defense forces and Mali security forces”

Quotes/References to WPS: None

Quotes/References to WPS:

“continuing commitment to provide civilian policemen and women for United Nations peacekeeping operations around the world”.

Quotes/References to WPS:

“We implement infrastructure, diverse economy, business, and the promotion of youth and women entrepreneurship”

“Our belief is that the SDGs should enable us to make the world give priority to the most vulnerable groups, that are women, youth, and children, and people affected by conflict and disaster”

Quotes/References to WPS: None

Quotes/References to WPS: none

Quotes/References to WPS: None

Quotes/References to WPS:

“Luxemburg has worked actively to establish the 17 SDGs”

“The high level summit reminded us of the massive challenged caused by the movement of refugees and migrants in the recent months and years. This is a challenge that can only be addressed globally (…) Last year my country held the presidency of the European Union were migrant was of central concern. In European terms, solidarity and burden sharing are as vital as migration policy as is border control and respect for the Dublin rules”

Quotes/References to WPS:

“The Sustainable Development Goals remain thus one of the biggest tools in preventing diplomacy while keeping the promise to humanity”

“To obtain the Sustainable Development Goals, the mandate of the United Nations, the UN system, must actively work together with regional organizations”

“We have advocated, and shall continue to advocate, that a Woman should occupy the office of Secretary-General for the first time in history. We have reached a new milestone in history by having six extraordinary Women, including a Costa Rican, as candidates for the position of UN Secretary General. The transformation demanded by humanity requires new sensibilities and forms of exercising leadership.

Mr. President of the General Assembly,

My goal is that my daughter Inés, who is 10 years old right now, will tell her descendants of a strange former era, where Women did not earn as much as men for the same task, that they were not equal owners of the means of production, where the care of children was a chore largely reserved for themSelves and where their sexual and reproductive rights were not safeguarded. That strange era is the one which We must leave behind, in the same Way that we slowly leave behind other Scourges Such as slavery, discrimination in any of its many forms, or consumerism war as the basis of Our economy which is destroying Our shared home, Mother Earth.”

Reference to women: “We marked the sixtieth anniversary of the 1956 Women's March against discriminatory and racist laws and the 40" anniversary of the June 16" 1976 Youth uprising against apartheid.

Reference to women: “The Women's March in 1956 brought the gender dimension of the struggle and the equal role of women in the fight against white domination, oppression and injustice into sharp focus.

Today, on the International Day of Peace, it is necessary to emphasize that women are powerful agents of peace and security. We must not treat women only as victims of conflict and violence. Women are powerful agents of change. Their increased contribution to preventing and resolving conflict, as well as to maintaining sustainable and inclusive peace, should be encouraged. More female peacekeepers could help us combat sexual violence, promote gender awareness among the host nations' populations, and improve relationships

with local citizens.

To contribute to this goal, Croatia is conducting a UN training course for women police officers from Asia, Africa and Europe. This course is organised back-to-back with predeployment military training in order to enhance the synergy between the military and civilian

sectors, by simultaneously integrating gender and multicultural aspects of peacekeeping.

Our intent is to provide a proper environment that promotes freedom, human rights, impartiality and vital participation of women in the state and society.

The Sustainable Development Goals are ground-breaking. They provide us with a roadmap for the future we want. We have agreed to leave no one behind. This means that we must address inequality and social injustice and safeguard the rule of law. It also means that we must empower women and men alike.

We have a clear responsibility to fight terrorism and step up our efforts to prevent violent extremism. In order to do so, we need to work closely with civil society, women, young people, faith leaders, and with local communities.

We have introduced a unique national development strategy based on Creativity and innovation known as the National Blue Ocean Strategy or NBOS. It is a strategy where over 80 ministries and agencies - from the police and military, to women, youth, and higher education organisations - are collaborating to formulate and execute creative blue ocean strategy initiatives that are transforming the country.

We should enhance our interactions by winning the hearts and minds of religious leaders and women as well as our youths. We should build networks at all levels of society where they can help by providing counter-narratives and Countermessaging through community-based efforts, the arts and media, sports, and culture.

Reference to Conflict Prevention:
"The UN, for its part, can help to defuse latent conflict through conflict prevention, mediation and, if necessary, preventative peace operations."

Reference to Human Rights:
"Gender equality and the political, economic and social empowerment of girls and women are key drivers in Sustainable development and in combating climate change. in my own country gender equality has been vital in oru rise from poverty to prosperity. I welcome all efforts that raise the issue, such as the HeForShe movement initiated by UN Women. I am personally involved in this important work. But the UN and its Member States still have a long way to go to meet the target of gender."

Reference to Participation:
"The next Secretary-General will be a subject of almost colossal expectations. Finland welcomes a selection process that is more transparent and more inclusive. We also welcome the fact that so many female candidates are seeking the position."

Finally, it is my strong personal wish to finally see a woman lead this organization – which has been such a trailblazer for gender equality. We do believe that this is an appointment that should take place on the basis of merit. The best qualified person available should have this job. I would be very happy if this person was to be a woman.

We therefore prioritise investment in conflict prevention and post-Conflict reconciliation, and recognise the importance of the empowerment of women to have a visible and recognised role in decision making.

Gender equality and women's empowerment are key cross-cutting priorities for Ireland. We are committed to strengthening our engagement on these priorities during our membership of the Commission on the Status of Women which commences on 1 January next. Ireland calls for the implementation of the conflict prevention and peacebuilding aspects of the three high-level reviews of the UN's peacekeeping and peacebuilding systems which took place in 2015, and for a sustained commitment to the Women, Peace and Security agenda.

We must challenge narratives and ideologies together, identify internal and external drivers of violent extremism and terrorism and include women at all times.

Education shines a light on our path to ensuring human rights for all. In one century, women have seen great progress, even though this progress is uneven. I stand here today, one of only 30 or so female foreign ministers in the world - as a proof that we have come a long way - yet nowhere far enough. Women's human rights lag severely behind in many countries, at great cost to women, men and society as a whole.

We have agreed, that no one can be left behind. This includes every individual, no matter the color of her skin, his disability, her religion or whom they love. It can be eye-opening to put oneself in other people's shoes; what if the world were upside down? If Europe had been colonized by Africa? If women had been in power for centuries? Or if most couples were gay? How would that change our perspective?

The new process for appointing the Secretary-General raises the profile and standing of the UN. It is a major milestone to see such a strong field of women candidates.  

The Constitution guarantees equal participation and incorporates principle of proportional representation of the women, indigenous nationalities, Madheshis, Dalits and other marginalized groups in elected and other organs of the state structure.

Nepal has a strong commitment to gender equality and empowerment of women. Women are guaranteed minimum one third representation in the federal and provincial parliaments and 40% in the local government.

I am proud to inform this General Assembly that Nepal's Head of State, Chief Justice and Speaker of the Parliament are all Women.

Investing in our people will put us on the right path. And no investment has higher returns than what we invest in women and girls. Empowering women and girls, to make their own choices, to determine the destiny of their choosing, is not only the moral, responsible and the right choice to make; but it is the smart decision to take. Women constitute half of our population. They can and should contribute to our economy. They can and should contribute to our society.

Women in the Maldives have had the right to vote since our first constitution in 1932. Women in the Maldives have always been in our offices, in our politics, in our society. They have always had equal pay and equal rights. It's now enshrined in our Constitution. Today, a woman in the Maldives, can also go to a court of law, and use the newly defined Gender Equality Act to claim those rights. They can challenge cases involving gender inequality, sexual harassment, and sexual abuse, with specifically defined laws to back them up. Still, we have a long way to go - every country does. But we believe we are on the right track, making institutional and structural changes, to bring lasting, and sustainable normative change.

Reference to Human Rights:
"They are showing us that in their daily lives, at their places of work, [...] in relations between men and women, the negative effects of inequitable development are still being felt."

Reference to Human Rights:
"The United Nations must play its role as a place of consensus and an option for the most vulnerable, opposed to inequality and discrimination against religious, ethnic or gender minorities."

Reference to Human Rights:
"Our principles as a nation are steadfast: we aspire to peace, democracy and respect for human rights"

Reference to Displacement:
"And this combined with violence and armed conflict in many parts of the world, which increase precariousness and exponentially expand forced displacement and major migratory movements."

Reference to Participation:
"I raise my voice in favour of efficient management of the United Nations, more opennes in its proceedings, including the election of our new male or female Secretary-General."

Mr. President; gender equality and women empowerment has now become an enduring theme of mankind's pursuit for equality and justice, a scale for measuring social progress, and an important goal in realizing sustainable Development. Women's political and economic participation in leadership roles and decision making strengthens democracy, equality and the economy. This is the essence of Goal 5. Moreover, while women's empowerment and full participation in society are important goals in themselves, they are vital for reducing poverty, achieving universal education, improving maternal and child health, and fulfilling other development goals. Economic empowerment is also a strategic tool to expand women's political participation and leadership. Without the capacity to generate their own incomes, women face considerable barriers to reaching the higher levels of education, health care and the autonomy to participate in politics. Collectively, and universally, women represent more than half of human resource, potential skills and talents available to human kind. Tanzania is committed to promoting women empowerment at all levels. We are striving to engage more women in formal sectors through capacity building programs and advocacy. We have removed discriminatory laws and policies to empower women including reforming our land laws to permit inheritance and equal access to land for all.

Tanzania has continued to take actions to ensure more representation of women in decision making. During the 2010 general elections 126 women were elected whereas 2015 elections the number increased to 142 which constitutes 36.9 percent of all parliamentarians. It was during the 2015 elections that, President Magufuli elected the first ever woman Vice-President of the United Republic of Tanzania which happened to be me. This reaffirms my country's determination to see more women on key decision making positions and to continue scaling up these initiatives in Tanzania women empowerment is now owned by the women themselves. Mr. President; Goal 16 of the SDGs recognizes that corruption undermines efforts to combat poverty and gender inequality.

Spain has led initiatives in the humanitarian field, and we encourage the increasing participation of women both in the prevention of conflicts and in the construction and consolidation of peace, and in doing so we are determined in fighting violations and abuses against their freedom and dignity.

“It is indeed hard to bear all these cruelties as a mother. Won't these happenings stir the world conscience?”

“I firmly believe that without women's participation, sustainable development would simply not be tenable. A host of measures, including promoting girls' education, undertaken half a decade ago started yielding dividends.

Women in Bangladesh are now increasingly becoming an integral part of our development endeavours. Around 3.5 million women are now working in the garments industry, the leading export earning sector. The percentage of women in all professions is rapidly rising. Bangladesh is perhaps the only country in the world today that has a woman Prime Minister and Leader of the House, Leader of the Opposition, Speaker and Deputy Leader of the House. Presently, we have 70 women Members of Parliament constituting 20% of the House. Over 12,500 elected women representatives are serving in the local government bodies.”

“Amidst current conflicts and crises it is important to ensure that women do not fall victim to gender-based violence and that they are also included in conflict resolution and peace negotiations. Therefore it is important to continue to implement UNSCR resolution 1325 and related resolutions on women, peace and Security.”

The protection of women, young girls and their empowerment, equal rights and equal participation in processes of development, respect for the rights of the child and the youth are at the heart of our concerns and our discussions. We continue to reform our strategies and our national plans to promote equal access for women and men to economic resources and basic services.

Youth, women, and girls are the backbone of our public policy and our actions for development.

Quotes/References to WPS:

"Denmark was extremely proud to host the Women Deliver conference in Copenhagen earlier this year. The conference was a testimony to the importance that Denmark places on ensuring women’s and girls’ full and equal enjoyment of all human rights. A plethora of programs, initiatives and strategies were showcased at the conference"

"Studies tell us that when a girl receives just one additional year of education, she can increase her earnings by up to 20 per cent. That is important, not only for her, but also for her family, her community, and her country". 

As women are being systematically raped, murdered, sold into slavery across the world, which is the only country that the UN’s Commission on Women chose to condemn this year? Yep, you guessed it – Israel. Israel. Israel where women fly fighter jets, lead major corporations, head universities, preside – twice – over the Supreme Court, and have served as Speaker of the Knesset and Prime Minister.

Quotes/References to WPS:

“The true challenge of our time is [...] to take forward the mission of gender equality and protect women where there is gender regression; and to ensure peace across boundaries, not least because there can be no prosperity without peace.”

“The Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (Educate the Girl Child, Save the Girl Child) programme has become a nation-wide mission.”

The establishment of a government of a National Union, headed by a young leader at the head of the government with robust participation of women as well, which confirms our intention to allow young people and women to assume an important role in this democratic experience.

• Gender equality is also "a primary objective that we have to work with conviction and political will.

• The Argentina is assuming the full empowerment of women as state policy.

• Create the National Plan of prevention, action and assistance to women at risk, fa to end violence against women in all its forms.

• We are working with a transverse approach so that women have the same opportunities as men in our country's social cultural, political, and economic life.

• In that sense, I want to thank the support received our Chancellor to the Secretary General of the United Nations. In the twenty-first century, have a woman at the front of this Organisation would be an encouraging example.

“As in many parts of the world, sadly, domestic violence is a serious issue in the Pacific. UN SDG Goa1 5 commits to ending worldwide domestic violence against women and girls, and my government is moving forward with our own commitment to build safe houses - the first one to be known as Weto In Mour, for abused women. And it may be that the Pacific - and the world - must adjust to a new era, where the voice of women and girls gains its rightful place in community, home, and all levels of politics - from the local to the UN.”

The Republic of Angola is also committed to three cross-cutting processes it considers of crucial importance:

• Women, Peace and Security, Peacekeeping Operations, and the Peacebuilding Architecture.

We recognise the important role of women and their participation in all stages and levels of the peace process.

Even so, there are commitments that have been postponed or which are lagging, and today is precisely the moment to evaluate and re-launch them. I’m referring to issues as vital as the identity and rights of indigenous Peoples, rural development and women’s participation.

Quotes/Refernces to WPS:

“The achievements of Bahraini women at the international level, notably election to the membership of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) and the Executive Board of UN Women; and its first place internationally for the highest growth rate of women's participation in economic activities as documented in the ILO's report for this year…”

“...close cooperation between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United Nations and the keen interest of my country, represented by the Supreme Council for Women under the leadership of H.R.H. Princess Sabika Bint Ibrahim Al-Khalifa, in enhancing the empowerment of Bahraini women nationally and internationally and accelerating their participation in all government and community sectors as a principal component that has contributed, and will continue to contribute, to the process of community development and progress.”

Paraguay would like a man or woman Secretary General who will attach priority to a preventative diplomacy and mediation and who, as the main person responsible for the administration will ensure that the United Nations system is an example of inclusion- promoting national diversity and gender balance in its civil service.

Quotes/References to WPS:

"As a demonstration of the importance The Bahamas attaches to the advancement of women, Ms. Marion Bethel was nominated for a seat on the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), and she was elected in May of this year. We believe that Ms. Bethel will contribute to CEDAW’s efforts to advance women’s empowerment and gender equality. We expect that her experiences on the same body will increase knowledge in The Bahamas relative the advancement of women".

“This is within the larger fight for the integration of all young people, men and women, into the formal economy”.

“Thousands of little black boys and girls in The Bahamas took their affirmations from the US President’s success. The shootings by police officers now in the public domain in the United States must not be allowed to damage that image of his country”.

Reference to Peace Processes:
"the State of Kuwait hosted the Yemeni Peace Talks under the auspices of the United Nations from April until August 2016, in order to restore the security and stability in Yemen, while preserving its independence, sovereignty, and its territorial integrity."

Reference to Justice & Security Sector Reform:
"We also demand that all those responsible of perpetrating war crimes and Crimes against humanity be brought before the International Justice System."

The Council has put its weight behind many successes, from the adoption of the Iran deal to ending the long running war in Colombia.

We acknowledge that the Council does not have a role in every crisis. But the reality is that we need the Council to respond when no one else can. This is why we have consistently called for Council action to revive the Middle East Peace Process.

“Amidst current conflicts and crises it is important to ensure that women do not fall victim to gender-based violence and that they are also included in conflict resolution and peace negotiations. Therefore it is important to continue to implement UNSCR resolution 1325 and related resolutions on women, peace and Security.”

Quotes/References to WPS:

"Investment in people at the forefront based on the principles of tolerance, acceptance of the other, and equality among all, without discrimination between men and women".

"The empowerment of women has become a central policy in our country because of our belief in their pioneering societal role, their active contributions to generation-building, and their success in doing so".

Quotes/References to WPS:

“Equality between women and men is still not a reality”.

“65 million women and men worldwide are refugees”

“We must also guarantee the dignity of every human being. And be especially vigilant for the most vulnerable, women and children”.

The UN has a central role in humanitarian action, and Ireland strongly supports the efforts to reform the UN System and coordination mechanisms to ensure a more effective response to the increasingly complex humanitarian needs around the world. This includes the protection of vulnerable groups in emergencies, notably women and girls.

The destruction of homes, hospitals, schools and other infrastructure forces people to leave. Without these weapons the world would be a safer place - especially for children, women and elderly people.

Successfully implementing Sustainable Development Goals will also require to dedicate special attention to women – often more impacted, but left behind and ignored. Let’s take some Goals as examples.

First, ending poverty. Both men and women are affected, but lifting women out of poverty is much more difficult. As if poverty was not hard enough, women also have to face gender-based discrimination, stereotypes and social marginalisation. According to a UN Women report:

• Woman earns around 24 per cent less than a man;
• Finds it more difficult to get a loan to start a business;
• Is likely to receive a smaller part of inheritance or nothing when she decides to leave her abusive husband.

The trend of poverty feminisation has to change. By not allowing women to prosper we condemn entire families to poverty.

Second, ending hunger. Although around half of the world’s agricultural work is done by women, if food is running out, women are the first to suffer. When public order breaks down, a woman’s trip to bring her family food or water may easily cost her life. In times of hunger, women give the little food they have to their children. In a bread line, however, they often end up being pushed aside or abused. Empowering women by expanding land ownership or providing credit would not only feed a family, but would also raise incomes of women and make more food available for all.

Third, providing education. For so many girls and women around the world the road to inclusive learning remains an impossible dream:

• According to the UN Sustainable Development report, out of the world’s 750 million illiterate adults, two thirds are women;
• Girls are sent off or sold into early marriages, blocking their path to education, higher income and independence;
• Criminals abduct women and sell them into slavery.
• Extremists burn down schools and kill teachers, because they do not want educated girls to make their own life choices.

That needs to change. Education is a key that opens many doors. Educated women are a tremendous resources and a power for the common good. Women must be free to have access to education, choose the profession they want. Information technologies must be available to uncover their full potential.

Quotes/References to WPS:

"The new Secretary-General can hit the ground running and boost implementation...Of peacekeeping and peacebuilding reform, including real zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse".

"Ask the women of the DRC, where thanks to the gender unit in MONUSCO sexual violence has decreased substantially since 2013"

• Gender equality is also "a primary objective that we have to work with conviction and political will.

• The Argentina is assuming the full empowerment of women as state policy.

• Create the National Plan of prevention, action and assistance to women at risk, fa to end violence against women in all its forms.

• We are working with a transverse approach so that women have the same opportunities as men in our country's social cultural, political, and economic life.

• In that sense, I want to thank the support received our Chancellor to the Secretary General of the United Nations. In the twenty-first century, have a woman at the front of this Organisation would be an encouraging example.

Quotes/References to WPS:

“The peace agreement remains facing serious challenges amongst (…) and the asymmetrical attacks on peaceful civilians, defense forces and Mali security forces”

“Costa Rica, as a transit, origin and destination for human trafficking, has typified migrant Smuggling as a crime in its domestic legislation against Human Smuggling and Illicit Trafficking of Migrants since 2012. This legal framework also guides the design and implementation of national policies to address the migrant smuggling from the gender perspective. Such policy includes the following perspectives: care and protection of victims, prevention, administration of justice, information gathering, analysis, and research as well as institutional COOrdination.”

Daesh, which falsely claimed the defense of Sunnis; is killing Shiites, Sunnis, Christians, Yazidis, Arabs, Kurds and Turkmens as well. Their atrocities involved all the spectrum of Iraq, it diversified between Takfir, displacement, women enslavement, genocides, and destruction of antiquities, mosques and churches.

Therefore, it is critical that the performance, behaviour and reputation of troops or civilians engaged in UN operations is to the highest possible standard. Sexual Exploitation and Abuse by UN peacekeepers, sent to conflict zones to protect innocent civilians from harm, is absolutely unacceptable and Ireland calls for an end to impunity for these crimes.

We call for all members of the Security Council, but in particular China, the USA, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom and France, to refrain from voting against credible draft resolutions on action to end the commission of genocide, crimes against humanity or war crimes, including conflict-related sexual violence.

Investing in our people will put us on the right path. And no investment has higher returns than what we invest in women and girls. Empowering women and girls, to make their own choices, to determine the destiny of their choosing, is not only the moral, responsible and the right choice to make; but it is the smart decision to take. Women constitute half of our population. They can and should contribute to our economy. They can and should contribute to our society.

Women in the Maldives have had the right to vote since our first constitution in 1932. Women in the Maldives have always been in our offices, in our politics, in our society. They have always had equal pay and equal rights. It's now enshrined in our Constitution. Today, a woman in the Maldives, can also go to a court of law, and use the newly defined Gender Equality Act to claim those rights. They can challenge cases involving gender inequality, sexual harassment, and sexual abuse, with specifically defined laws to back them up. Still, we have a long way to go - every country does. But we believe we are on the right track, making institutional and structural changes, to bring lasting, and sustainable normative change.

“Amidst current conflicts and crises it is important to ensure that women do not fall victim to gender-based violence and that they are also included in conflict resolution and peace negotiations. Therefore it is important to continue to implement UNSCR resolution 1325 and related resolutions on women, peace and Security.”

Quotes/References to WPS:

"Addressing gender inequality and combating gender-based violence"

Successfully implementing Sustainable Development Goals will also require to dedicate special attention to women – often more impacted, but left behind and ignored. Let’s take some Goals as examples.

First, ending poverty. Both men and women are affected, but lifting women out of poverty is much more difficult. As if poverty was not hard enough, women also have to face gender-based discrimination, stereotypes and social marginalisation. According to a UN Women report:

• Woman earns around 24 per cent less than a man;
• Finds it more difficult to get a loan to start a business;
• Is likely to receive a smaller part of inheritance or nothing when she decides to leave her abusive husband.

The trend of poverty feminisation has to change. By not allowing women to prosper we condemn entire families to poverty.

Second, ending hunger. Although around half of the world’s agricultural work is done by women, if food is running out, women are the first to suffer. When public order breaks down, a woman’s trip to bring her family food or water may easily cost her life. In times of hunger, women give the little food they have to their children. In a bread line, however, they often end up being pushed aside or abused. Empowering women by expanding land ownership or providing credit would not only feed a family, but would also raise incomes of women and make more food available for all.

Third, providing education. For so many girls and women around the world the road to inclusive learning remains an impossible dream:

• According to the UN Sustainable Development report, out of the world’s 750 million illiterate adults, two thirds are women;
• Girls are sent off or sold into early marriages, blocking their path to education, higher income and independence;
• Criminals abduct women and sell them into slavery.
• Extremists burn down schools and kill teachers, because they do not want educated girls to make their own life choices.

That needs to change. Education is a key that opens many doors. Educated women are a tremendous resources and a power for the common good. Women must be free to have access to education, choose the profession they want. Information technologies must be available to uncover their full potential.

The task ahead of us is immense. However, it can be achieved if each of us finds the strength and courage to become part of the change by:

• Encouraging women to dream big and demand their rightful place at national parliaments, negotiating tables, science labs and company boards;
• Ensuring that nothing can stand in the way of a girl’s dream to receive free quality education;
• Combating gender stereotypes and abusive social practices; making sure that laws give women and girls equal voice and power they deserve;
• Reducing the cost of violence against women so that billions more could be directed into poverty reduction and development.

We cannot afford to fail in this challenge. To achieve this, we need everyone on board. Only if all members of the society – both women and men – are fully represented and engaged, can the world’s future be truly sustainable.

As women are being systematically raped, murdered, sold into slavery across the world, which is the only country that the UN’s Commission on Women chose to condemn this year? Yep, you guessed it – Israel. Israel. Israel where women fly fighter jets, lead major corporations, head universities, preside – twice – over the Supreme Court, and have served as Speaker of the Knesset and Prime Minister.

At a time when women still suffer so much violence and discrimination, and the unacceptable increase of sexual violence, we must support the necessary action of UNICEF.

I wish, in this regard, to reiterate the full support of the Principality of Monaco for the goals of the Security Council Resolutions on women, peace and security, particularly regarding the protection of women in conflict and strengthening their role in the maintenance, restoration, and consolidation of peace.

Quotes/References to WPS:

"The new Secretary-General can hit the ground running and boost implementation...Of peacekeeping and peacebuilding reform, including real zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse".

"Ask the women of the DRC, where thanks to the gender unit in MONUSCO sexual violence has decreased substantially since 2013"

“As in many parts of the world, sadly, domestic violence is a serious issue in the Pacific. UN SDG Goa1 5 commits to ending worldwide domestic violence against women and girls, and my government is moving forward with our own commitment to build safe houses - the first one to be known as Weto In Mour, for abused women. And it may be that the Pacific - and the world - must adjust to a new era, where the voice of women and girls gains its rightful place in community, home, and all levels of politics - from the local to the UN.”

Quotes/References to WPS:

“No less an authority than President Obama stated publicly that he had “renewed sanctions on some of the worst abusers, including Eritrea.” And he added, “We are partnering with groups that help women and children escape from the grip of their abusers.” The objective was "regime change” as a prelude to bringing Eritrea to its knees.”

Quotes/References to WPS:

“The Deputy President and the government used its forces in the liberated provinces, and now this destructive project, led by Iran through mercenaries in Yemen in the books of men are paid today by coup grudges revenge against our people and the payment of children and women to the fronts of death is without conscience and inhuman”

“Yemen extends our hand to everyone to build a new Yemen, and despite what caused the revolutionary project of the severe damage to the political, social, economic and cultural level, we are still look at them as a class. Yemeni sex workers must return to the right nor expropriate the right in the future, we are still looking for a decent living and secure life for all Yemenis”.

Quotes/References to WPS:

“Particular attention is therefore granted to the specific needs of young people and women in terms of education, health and employment”

“This is particularly the case concerning the protection of women's rights. Two important laws had been promulgated, the one on gender parity, and that changing the outdated provisions of the Family Code in order to comply with this & international legislation in force. Other reforms are underway”

“As for violence against women, reliable indicators inform a net decrease of cases of sexual violence in 2014 and 2015, a decrease of 50%.”

Quotes/References to WPS:

“Luxemburg has worked actively to establish the 17 SDGs”

“The high level summit reminded us of the massive challenged caused by the movement of refugees and migrants in the recent months and years. This is a challenge that can only be addressed globally (…) Last year my country held the presidency of the European Union were migrant was of central concern. In European terms, solidarity and burden sharing are as vital as migration policy as is border control and respect for the Dublin rules”

Croatia considers participation in international missions and operations as a principal duty that will contribute to peace. In this regard, we are preparing to place an Engineering

Company for Horizontal Construction at the disposal of UN Peacekeeping Operations.

We are proud to have contributed to the UN peacekeeping operations in the Congo and Mali with our military peacekeepers, and with police officers in South Sudan, Liberia, Cyprus and Afghanistan, almost a quarter of which were women. We will continue to actively contribute to international peace- and security-building efforts, with a strong commitment to further increasing the role of women in these operations.

Quotes/References to WPS and Peacekeeping:

"Whether it is out continuing commitment to UN Peacekeeping and sending our men and women in uniform to protect ordinary people in troubled parts of the world, or our lead role in drawing global attention to the urgent need for action on climate change".

"We have collectively pledged to mobilize the global community to end all forms of poverty, fight inequality, and tackle climate change"

We need to ensure that peace operations deliver on their mandates to protect civilians.

Sexual exploitation and abuse must stop. We need zero tolerance and resolute action by the UN peacekeepers, development workers and humanitarian workers from a large number of countries are making a real difference, in numerous countries, including Mali and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Therefore, it is critical that the performance, behaviour and reputation of troops or civilians engaged in UN operations is to the highest possible standard. Sexual Exploitation and Abuse by UN peacekeepers, sent to conflict zones to protect innocent civilians from harm, is absolutely unacceptable and Ireland calls for an end to impunity for these crimes.

Quotes/References to WPS:

“strengthening citizenship and protection of human rights, especially of women and children and youth, as well as expand the space for individual and collective freedoms, in accordance with the approach put human rights at the heart of human development”

“Costa Rica, as a transit, origin and destination for human trafficking, has typified migrant Smuggling as a crime in its domestic legislation against Human Smuggling and Illicit Trafficking of Migrants since 2012. This legal framework also guides the design and implementation of national policies to address the migrant smuggling from the gender perspective. Such policy includes the following perspectives: care and protection of victims, prevention, administration of justice, information gathering, analysis, and research as well as institutional COOrdination.”

“Today, we all witness many Conflicts and terrorist attacks which became almost everyday news headlines. The world has its largest-ever humanitarian crisis, including millions of people displaced from their homes.”

Quotes/References to WPS and Peacekeeping:

"Whether it is out continuing commitment to UN Peacekeeping and sending our men and women in uniform to protect ordinary people in troubled parts of the world, or our lead role in drawing global attention to the urgent need for action on climate change".

"We have collectively pledged to mobilize the global community to end all forms of poverty, fight inequality, and tackle climate change"

Reference to Human Rights:
"I heard from women and girls who still face inequality in the workplace and violence just because they are women, even in a progressive country like Canada."

Reference to Sexual & Gender-Based Violence (SGBV):
"I heard from women and girls who still face inequality in the workplace and violence just because they are women, even in a progressive country like Canada."

Reference to Peacekeeping:
"In order to help  promote peace and security in areas affected by instability, we reaffirmed oru support for NATO and committed ourselves to expanding Canada's role in United Nations peacekeeping operations."

Reference to Displacement:
"To that end, in recent months, Canadians have opened their arms and their hearts to families fleeing the ongoing conflict in Syria. And from the moment they arrived, those 31,000 refugees were welcomed-- not as burdens, but as neighbours and friends. As new Canadians."

The conflict in Syria, which continues uninterrupted since March 2011, has already caused more than 270,000 deaths, of which Over 13,000 are children and more than 8,000 women. To these figures, hundreds of thousands of injured people must be added. Inevitably, the humanitarian situation in Syria has deeply deteriorated. Most of those who need primary care, in particular women and children, live in besieged areas, which cannot be reached by humanitarian convoys.

Reference to Human Rights:
"They are showing us that in their daily lives, at their places of work, [...] in relations between men and women, the negative effects of inequitable development are still being felt."

Reference to Human Rights:
"The United Nations must play its role as a place of consensus and an option for the most vulnerable, opposed to inequality and discrimination against religious, ethnic or gender minorities."

Reference to Human Rights:
"Our principles as a nation are steadfast: we aspire to peace, democracy and respect for human rights"

Reference to Displacement:
"And this combined with violence and armed conflict in many parts of the world, which increase precariousness and exponentially expand forced displacement and major migratory movements."

Reference to Participation:
"I raise my voice in favour of efficient management of the United Nations, more opennes in its proceedings, including the election of our new male or female Secretary-General."

Quotes/References to WPS:None

Quotes/References to WPS: None

Quotes/Refernces to WPS:

“The achievements of Bahraini women at the international level, notably election to the membership of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) and the Executive Board of UN Women; and its first place internationally for the highest growth rate of women's participation in economic activities as documented in the ILO's report for this year…”

“...close cooperation between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United Nations and the keen interest of my country, represented by the Supreme Council for Women under the leadership of H.R.H. Princess Sabika Bint Ibrahim Al-Khalifa, in enhancing the empowerment of Bahraini women nationally and internationally and accelerating their participation in all government and community sectors as a principal component that has contributed, and will continue to contribute, to the process of community development and progress.”

Quotes/References to WPS: None

Quotes/References to WPS: none

Quotes/References to WPS:

“There is an issue of migrants and refugees which has been of the focus of this debate since the start of this session and it calls for urgent action. We know that these men and women put their lives at risk and leave their lands and homes now as tourists but out of desperation”

Quotes/References to WPS:

“We implement infrastructure, diverse economy, business, and the promotion of youth and women entrepreneurship”

“Our belief is that the SDGs should enable us to make the world give priority to the most vulnerable groups, that are women, youth, and children, and people affected by conflict and disaster”

Quotes/References to WPS: None

Quotes/References to WPS: none

Quotes/References to WPS:

“The Sustainable Development Goals remain thus one of the biggest tools in preventing diplomacy while keeping the promise to humanity”

“To obtain the Sustainable Development Goals, the mandate of the United Nations, the UN system, must actively work together with regional organizations”

By the same token, we have upheld gender equality, as forseen in our constitution.

Reference to women: “We marked the sixtieth anniversary of the 1956 Women's March against discriminatory and racist laws and the 40" anniversary of the June 16" 1976 Youth uprising against apartheid.

Reference to women: “The Women's March in 1956 brought the gender dimension of the struggle and the equal role of women in the fight against white domination, oppression and injustice into sharp focus.

Gender inequality is the most pervasive form of global inequality and a pressing human rights concern. Women and girls are still exposed to a range of obstacles to their complete and full inclusion in social, economic and political life. .

There will be no real progress without a gender-responsive implementation of the Agenda 2030. To succeed we need more women in politics and business, in diplomacy and on executive boards. But this will not happen without men. Their role in the empowerment of

women, their support and understanding, is as crucial as the will of women to succeed.

This year, Croatia is chairing the Equal Futures Partnership - an innovative multilateral initiative with a view to encourage Member States to empower women economically and politically. The high level meeting of its members and supporters will take place tomorrow. I invite all of you to find time to pay due attention to this endeavour.

Quotes/References to WPS:

"When the outlaws of Islam, the khaware, murder; when they plunder; when they exploit children and reject the equality of women before God-they abuse Islam"

Quotes/References to WPS:

"Much more men and women have an access to healthcare, more girls can attend schools than anytime in the past"

"When a terrorist group enslaves, slaughters, and takes hope from men, women and chilren, it is not a single nation's problem"

Quotes/References to WPS and Peacekeeping:

"Whether it is out continuing commitment to UN Peacekeeping and sending our men and women in uniform to protect ordinary people in troubled parts of the world, or our lead role in drawing global attention to the urgent need for action on climate change".

"We have collectively pledged to mobilize the global community to end all forms of poverty, fight inequality, and tackle climate change"

Quotes/References to WPS:

"To this end, I would like to highlight the opportunity for reinforcing the preventative capability of the United Nations offered by the process of review of the Peace and Security architecture, including in the women, peace and security dimension"

"On the issue of human rights, too, we have come a long way in gender equality, although much still needs to be done. This is a topic of cross-cutting importance, particularly in the context of the 2030 Agenda and the Women, Peace and Security agenda.

My country is also a strong supporter of effective multilateralism and is among those

countries that strive to: bring the global community closer to universal respect for

human rights; promote respect for international law; strengthen the rule of law;

preventive diplomacy, particularly in the field of mediation; protect peace and viable

security; promote gender equality and the empowerment of women; protect the

vulnerable; elder; protect natural resources; implement sustainable development

goals; and ensure a decent life for all.

Girls' education is especially important. When girls go to school and get an education, this is not only their fundamental right, it's also good for the economy.

A country where democracy, Islam, modernity and women empowerment go hand in hand... at the forefront of the promotion of democracy, tolerance, pluralism and peace.

Mr. President, the hallmark of any civilized society is how it treats its most vulnerable. We must treat the issue of prevention of violence against our most vulnerable, particularly our women and children as a priority. We must seek to empower our women to realise their full potential. Jamaica has a long track record of championing the rights of women and will continue to advocate for full implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.

The Beijing Programme of Action remains a source of guidance and inspiration on gender equality and gender empowerment Solomon Islands remains committed to the full, effective and accelerated implementation of the programme, which should enable the realization of gender goals and targets under the SDGs, in April of this year my Government welcomed the entry into force of the Family Protection Act.

We believe that inclusion of all stakeholders, especially women and youth, in a programmatic and results-orientated action, will bring about fundamental changes in the livelihood and well-being of our Societies. In Lesotho women constitute a significant majority of the population and are the backbone of our rural communities. Their human resource potential cannot be underestimated. It is for this reason that we have promulgated laws that allow them access to land, credit and resources necessary for their unfettered engagement in economic activity.

It is vitally important that we address gender inequalities and ensure the rights of people with disabilities.

The task of the UN Secretary-General is not easy. Occupied with trying to resolve conflicts around the world; To stop blood shed; To mediate diverse positions between governments; To address hunger and malnutrition; To uphold human rights including the rights of women, refugees and vulnerable communities; To work tirelessly to secure peace and to ensure development in its widest meaning - all of that, is deeply challenging and enormously worrisome.

To reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person, in the equal rights of men and women and of nations large and small.

Reference to Human Rights:
"I heard from women and girls who still face inequality in the workplace and violence just because they are women, even in a progressive country like Canada."

Reference to Sexual & Gender-Based Violence (SGBV):
"I heard from women and girls who still face inequality in the workplace and violence just because they are women, even in a progressive country like Canada."

Reference to Peacekeeping:
"In order to help  promote peace and security in areas affected by instability, we reaffirmed oru support for NATO and committed ourselves to expanding Canada's role in United Nations peacekeeping operations."

Reference to Displacement:
"To that end, in recent months, Canadians have opened their arms and their hearts to families fleeing the ongoing conflict in Syria. And from the moment they arrived, those 31,000 refugees were welcomed-- not as burdens, but as neighbours and friends. As new Canadians."

Reference to Conflict Prevention:
"The UN, for its part, can help to defuse latent conflict through conflict prevention, mediation and, if necessary, preventative peace operations."

Reference to Human Rights:
"Gender equality and the political, economic and social empowerment of girls and women are key drivers in Sustainable development and in combating climate change. in my own country gender equality has been vital in oru rise from poverty to prosperity. I welcome all efforts that raise the issue, such as the HeForShe movement initiated by UN Women. I am personally involved in this important work. But the UN and its Member States still have a long way to go to meet the target of gender."

Reference to Participation:
"The next Secretary-General will be a subject of almost colossal expectations. Finland welcomes a selection process that is more transparent and more inclusive. We also welcome the fact that so many female candidates are seeking the position."

We must challenge narratives and ideologies together, identify internal and external drivers of violent extremism and terrorism and include women at all times.

Education shines a light on our path to ensuring human rights for all. In one century, women have seen great progress, even though this progress is uneven. I stand here today, one of only 30 or so female foreign ministers in the world - as a proof that we have come a long way - yet nowhere far enough. Women's human rights lag severely behind in many countries, at great cost to women, men and society as a whole.

We have agreed, that no one can be left behind. This includes every individual, no matter the color of her skin, his disability, her religion or whom they love. It can be eye-opening to put oneself in other people's shoes; what if the world were upside down? If Europe had been colonized by Africa? If women had been in power for centuries? Or if most couples were gay? How would that change our perspective?

The new process for appointing the Secretary-General raises the profile and standing of the UN. It is a major milestone to see such a strong field of women candidates.  

For many years, Iceland has hosted UN University training programs in four areas of importance to our agenda: gender equality, sustainable geothermal energy, sustainable management of the oceans and combatting desertification.

Investing in our people will put us on the right path. And no investment has higher returns than what we invest in women and girls. Empowering women and girls, to make their own choices, to determine the destiny of their choosing, is not only the moral, responsible and the right choice to make; but it is the smart decision to take. Women constitute half of our population. They can and should contribute to our economy. They can and should contribute to our society.

Women in the Maldives have had the right to vote since our first constitution in 1932. Women in the Maldives have always been in our offices, in our politics, in our society. They have always had equal pay and equal rights. It's now enshrined in our Constitution. Today, a woman in the Maldives, can also go to a court of law, and use the newly defined Gender Equality Act to claim those rights. They can challenge cases involving gender inequality, sexual harassment, and sexual abuse, with specifically defined laws to back them up. Still, we have a long way to go - every country does. But we believe we are on the right track, making institutional and structural changes, to bring lasting, and sustainable normative change.

Much remains to be done in the pace of change towards gender parity and rights of women. We need to make concerted efforts to close the economic gap between men and women.

Mr. President, Grenada is committed to Sustainable Development Goal 5, which speaks to gender equality and discrimination against women and girls. In this regard, the reforms also call on the state to ensure that men and women are entitled to equal rights and status in all spheres of life, especially in economic, educational, political, civic and social activities; that women shall not be discriminated against by reason of marital status, pregnancy or any other gender-based attribute; and that Parliament may enact laws suitable to correct disparities and inequalities between men and women. Mr. President, we live in a world that is plagued with many challenges: civil wars, famine, droughts, floods – impacts of climate change, humanitarian and economic crises and terrorism; but we also built this United Nations for the express purpose of addressing these challenges. The United Nations was built to steer us away from anarchy and perpetual antagonism. With the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, we have created a new pathway to achieve a more equitable and lasting brand of development. This pathway, Mr. President, is paved with clean energy, universal access to education, affordable healthcare, food security, clean water and air, and gender and racial equality.

Mr. President, as we forge ahead it is important to bear in mind that poverty

is multidimensional in nature and its implications for youth and women go

beyond the concepts of income or consumption.

Reference to Human Rights:
"They are showing us that in their daily lives, at their places of work, [...] in relations between men and women, the negative effects of inequitable development are still being felt."

Reference to Human Rights:
"The United Nations must play its role as a place of consensus and an option for the most vulnerable, opposed to inequality and discrimination against religious, ethnic or gender minorities."

Reference to Human Rights:
"Our principles as a nation are steadfast: we aspire to peace, democracy and respect for human rights"

Reference to Displacement:
"And this combined with violence and armed conflict in many parts of the world, which increase precariousness and exponentially expand forced displacement and major migratory movements."

Reference to Participation:
"I raise my voice in favour of efficient management of the United Nations, more opennes in its proceedings, including the election of our new male or female Secretary-General."

Quotes/References to WPS:

"Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls"

"Nevertheless, there is no harm in singling out and highlighting this problem of the pseudo-ideology that exploits identities of peaople (religion, tribe, gender, etc.)". 

The thrust of the 2030 Agenda for global transformation whereby no one is left behind, calls for action to enhance the quality of life of all segments of society including those groups who are systematically marginalized. Among those groups, I include women, girls and the differently abled who have historically been denied equitable access to opportunity and mobility that would ensure their-participation in society as equal partners with men and the enhancement not only of their own quality of life and happiness, but also that of the family, community and Society as a whole.

It is deeply regrettable that in many parts of the world women and girls, and the differently abled continue to be denied fundamental human rights and freedoms, are not equally paid for equal work as men, and are systematically prevented from obtaining an education and reaching their full potential as human beings and as citizens.

Further, it has been a longstanding position of the Government of Trinidad and Tobago, which has enacted several laws, policies and other measures to promote and strengthen the role of women and girls in society, and their overall contribution to national development.

Mr. President; gender equality and women empowerment has now become an enduring theme of mankind's pursuit for equality and justice, a scale for measuring social progress, and an important goal in realizing sustainable Development. Women's political and economic participation in leadership roles and decision making strengthens democracy, equality and the economy. This is the essence of Goal 5. Moreover, while women's empowerment and full participation in society are important goals in themselves, they are vital for reducing poverty, achieving universal education, improving maternal and child health, and fulfilling other development goals. Economic empowerment is also a strategic tool to expand women's political participation and leadership. Without the capacity to generate their own incomes, women face considerable barriers to reaching the higher levels of education, health care and the autonomy to participate in politics. Collectively, and universally, women represent more than half of human resource, potential skills and talents available to human kind. Tanzania is committed to promoting women empowerment at all levels. We are striving to engage more women in formal sectors through capacity building programs and advocacy. We have removed discriminatory laws and policies to empower women including reforming our land laws to permit inheritance and equal access to land for all.

Tanzania has continued to take actions to ensure more representation of women in decision making. During the 2010 general elections 126 women were elected whereas 2015 elections the number increased to 142 which constitutes 36.9 percent of all parliamentarians. It was during the 2015 elections that, President Magufuli elected the first ever woman Vice-President of the United Republic of Tanzania which happened to be me. This reaffirms my country's determination to see more women on key decision making positions and to continue scaling up these initiatives in Tanzania women empowerment is now owned by the women themselves. Mr. President; Goal 16 of the SDGs recognizes that corruption undermines efforts to combat poverty and gender inequality.

In addition, Tanzania wishes to reaffirm the decision of the AU Summit during its 27th Ordinary Session held in July 2016 that, the election of the SG should respect geographical rotational principle and take into account gender balance.

Additionally, the education policy and strategy aim at reaching specific vulnerable and marginalized populations, including girls, women and the disabled.

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"We are confident that we will join the global drive towards ensuring a life of dignity for all and we will spare no effort in working to free our fellow men, women and children from the abject and dehumanising conditions of extreme poverty". 

Spain is a candidate to become a member of the Human Rights Council for 2018-2020 term and I ask for your support. The promotion and defense of human rights are a hallmark of our foreign policy. We are particularly committed to gender equality, the right to safe drinking water and sanitation, the rights of persons with disabilities, and the fight against racism, xenophobia and hate crimes.

“We are sparing no effort to implement our commitments towards reforms. Our well-planned and systematic efforts are ongoing to eliminate corruption, strengthen good governance, conduct judicial reforms, promote women's empowerment, ensure effective service delivery for our citizens, ensure accountability standards at all levels of the Government, institutionalize merit-based appointments of senior officials, as well as to secure transparency in Government contracts, with the establishment of the National Procurement Commission.”

“Every man and woman, boy and girl, must be granted with opportunities and basic rights in an equitable and non-discriminatory manner”

“Moreover, the Government places high importance to the freedom, equality and well-being of people, as well as inclusive and equitable access to basic services. [...] A new legislation on gender equality to promote women's rights has been enacted.”

Australia has prioritised five key areas in our approach to human rights – gender equality, governance, freedom of expression, the rights of indigenous peoples, strong national human rights institutions and capacity building.

Focusing on SDG 16, we have made a clear break from the past by prioritising good governance. Two days ago, together with Estonia, the Republic of Korea and UNDP my country organised a special high-level cross-regional event aimed at sharing success stories on implementing SDG 16.

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To complicate an already difficult situation, the impasse in Darfur and the frequent outbreaks of fighting in the Central African Republic and Burundi, pose a serious threat to the civilian population, particularly women and children.

The future of Africa and indeed the world is inextricably linked to women and the youths.

“Estonia attaches great importance to the goal of achieving gender equality that can unlock the economic potential of women. More equal societies work better for everyone. Achieving gender equality is firstly the duty of political leaders.”

“We keep on working to fulfil our commitments under the Sustainable Development Goals at the national level, in particular those related to ensuring healthy environment and sustainable energy supply, promoting gender equality, and fighting corruption.”

Successfully implementing Sustainable Development Goals will also require to dedicate special attention to women – often more impacted, but left behind and ignored. Let’s take some Goals as examples.

First, ending poverty. Both men and women are affected, but lifting women out of poverty is much more difficult. As if poverty was not hard enough, women also have to face gender-based discrimination, stereotypes and social marginalisation. According to a UN Women report:

• Woman earns around 24 per cent less than a man;
• Finds it more difficult to get a loan to start a business;
• Is likely to receive a smaller part of inheritance or nothing when she decides to leave her abusive husband.

The trend of poverty feminisation has to change. By not allowing women to prosper we condemn entire families to poverty.

Second, ending hunger. Although around half of the world’s agricultural work is done by women, if food is running out, women are the first to suffer. When public order breaks down, a woman’s trip to bring her family food or water may easily cost her life. In times of hunger, women give the little food they have to their children. In a bread line, however, they often end up being pushed aside or abused. Empowering women by expanding land ownership or providing credit would not only feed a family, but would also raise incomes of women and make more food available for all.

Third, providing education. For so many girls and women around the world the road to inclusive learning remains an impossible dream:

• According to the UN Sustainable Development report, out of the world’s 750 million illiterate adults, two thirds are women;
• Girls are sent off or sold into early marriages, blocking their path to education, higher income and independence;
• Criminals abduct women and sell them into slavery.
• Extremists burn down schools and kill teachers, because they do not want educated girls to make their own life choices.

That needs to change. Education is a key that opens many doors. Educated women are a tremendous resources and a power for the common good. Women must be free to have access to education, choose the profession they want. Information technologies must be available to uncover their full potential.

We are making significant efforts to increase the productive capacity of our country […] executing special projects of support to vulnerable sectors such as the youth and women, in order to be able to generate opportunities of employment and growth.

One of the important realisations of the rights of women in Madagascar has been the reform of the Code of Nationality to allow children born of a Malagasy mother and a foreign father to acquire Malagasy nationality by the maternal line, independent of the nationality of the father.

In this fragile and unjust world, we know that education, in particular that of girls, is the solution to many of the problems. It is through women that we enhance the values of tolerance and respect. This is why the education of girls, and more generally the equal access to education for all children, should be one of our priorities.

The strength of the UN is to unite us in the service of a common good. Bringing about this common good is still on our agenda today… It comes through the education of children and the establishment of true equality between men and women.

Every month, every week, every day, the Mediterranean is the shroud of dozens of women, children, and men desperate to escape their fate, but who we struggle to give the little that they demand: safety, basic needs, and the hope of a better place.

Another of the cross-cutting issues of the 2030 Agenda is gender perspectives and the empowerment of women. In fulfilling the commitments reached at last year’s meeting of global leaders for equality, Mexico now has a stronger institutional framework: the national system for equality between women and men. This system is headed by Mexico’s President, thereby ensuring that the quality policy is upheld at the highest level and is reflected in the national government’s various actions.

• Gender equality is also "a primary objective that we have to work with conviction and political will.

• The Argentina is assuming the full empowerment of women as state policy.

• Create the National Plan of prevention, action and assistance to women at risk, fa to end violence against women in all its forms.

• We are working with a transverse approach so that women have the same opportunities as men in our country's social cultural, political, and economic life.

• In that sense, I want to thank the support received our Chancellor to the Secretary General of the United Nations. In the twenty-first century, have a woman at the front of this Organisation would be an encouraging example.

“In the Pacific, it is often women, and mothers, who are the heart of our communities and ensure resilience. If women, do not plan for the long term, families and communities do not thrive.”

We believe that peace is the foundation for all our common endeavours in fighting poverty, unemployment, organised crime, corruption, violence and all kinds of extremism as we strive to build a better world based on universal respect for justice, rule of law and human rights and freedoms that are applicable for everyone, without distinctions as to race, sex, language or religion.

This February, under the leadership of President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, Algeria adopted an important revision to the Constitution which contained considerable democratic achievements. The key ideas focus on the establishment of the rule of law, the enhancement of individual liberties, the institutional role of the opposition, freeing the national economy, the advancement of women, and the establishment of Tamazight as an official, national language.

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Let me commend his [SG Ban Ki-Moon] commitment and leadership, as well as his remarkable achievements in a range of areas, most notably on climate change, sustainable development, gender equality, humanitarian assistance and UN management reform.

Over the past year, we launched major initiatives in the areas of education, women empowerment, science and technology and rural development.

“Children, pregnant women, and the elderly receive free health services and have equal access to drugs.”

“We also have specific programs to put an end to intergenerational transmission of poverty such as the program “Sewing Opportunities” which improve the access of families to health and education, where women who are heads of households are prioritised.”

The Kingdoms consultation process is a unique but simple and an open book process that accommodates people at all stages and levels in terms of age, gender, social status, education and political inclination, amongst others.

According to the UN Charter, the UN mission is to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of human person, in the equal rights of men and women and of nations large and small.

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“The Deputy President and the government used its forces in the liberated provinces, and now this destructive project, led by Iran through mercenaries in Yemen in the books of men are paid today by coup grudges revenge against our people and the payment of children and women to the fronts of death is without conscience and inhuman”

“Yemen extends our hand to everyone to build a new Yemen, and despite what caused the revolutionary project of the severe damage to the political, social, economic and cultural level, we are still look at them as a class. Yemeni sex workers must return to the right nor expropriate the right in the future, we are still looking for a decent living and secure life for all Yemenis”.

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“The issue of gender equality should be also considered within the selection process. We believe that a possible decision to elect a female candidate as the UN Secretary-General will resonate well with the growing international expectations in this regard.”

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Reference to Peace Processes:
"the State of Kuwait hosted the Yemeni Peace Talks under the auspices of the United Nations from April until August 2016, in order to restore the security and stability in Yemen, while preserving its independence, sovereignty, and its territorial integrity."

Reference to Justice & Security Sector Reform:
"We also demand that all those responsible of perpetrating war crimes and Crimes against humanity be brought before the International Justice System."

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We need to translate the Women, Peace and Security agenda into more effective action on the ground.

While a symbol of the ideals of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon, worked for a safer world, for women and youth, for Sustainable development, and to add relevance to the role of prevention. This is an opportune moment for change, based on the experience that we have accumulated and on the recommendations included in the reports on Peacekeeping Operations, Peacebuilding Architecture, and Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security, Promoting intergovernmental coherence, and strengthening the Peacebuilding Commission and partnerships for its maintenance are some recommendations that will provide improvements to the United Nations system.