I would like to thank you warmly, Sir, for having rescheduled the open debate...

I would like to thank you warmly, Sir, for having rescheduled the open debate originally scheduled by the Guatemalan presidency, and for giving us this opportunity to take stock of progress made and the challenges remaining in the advancement of women in the framework of resolution 1325 (2000) and subsequent resolutions. I would like to particularly welcome the focus in today's debate on the important role that women's civil society organizations play in the prevention of conflicts and their commitment to peacebuilding.