Mr. Montoya (Colombia) (spoke in Spanish): I wish to congratulate you, Sir, o...

Mr. Montoya (Colombia) (spoke in Spanish): I wish to congratulate you, Sir, on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for the month of October. We thank you for issuing the concept paper (S/2009/490, annex) serving as the basis for today's discussion. Colombia's experience demonstrates the importance of implementing gender strategies that include the social, economic and cultural dimensions, among other factors. Thus, since 2003, the national Government has been carrying out an affirmative policy that ensures women's empowerment in all areas.