Gender equality is another topic of vital importance for the Nations. Gender ...

Gender equality is another topic of vital importance for the Nations. Gender equality issues are rarely associated with overcoming the economic crises or stopping climate change. However, it has been estimated that the elimination of gender discrimination in the labor market could increase the GDP by as much as 30%. It seems that Lithuanian people have decided to test this estimation in practice! It is of no surprise for us that women in Lithuania hold a number of top positions in politics and in business life. It is only natural that Lithuanian women made their own the famous saying: when the going gets tough, the tough get going! But we need much more of coordinated efforts. Gender equality on a global scale will only become possible when a certain level of security and economic development is achieved…..I strongly hope that the high-level meeting on gender equality issues, which will be held within the framework of the Community of Democracies in Vilnius, Lithuania, on Jun 30 next year, will explore many more new ideas and good practice. Security, environment and gender equality-all are interdependent. And all need to be adequately addressed on the international agenda. It is a prerequisite for ensuring sustainable development.