Although the 2008-2009 System-wide Action Plan was credible in terms of strengthening results based management, it had design and development weaknesses that will require extensive consultations and redesigning.

We would therefore like to commend the Secretary General for his very comprehensive and substantial report, especially his clear and action-oriented recommendations on the implementation of the resolution.We fully share his analysis on the still existing gaps and the necessity to introduce indicators and an adequate monitoring mechanism.

To achieve progress in these areas, Germany will set up a list of national and international priority initiatives. We will also continue to support international organizations and NGOs in promoting womens empowerment.

The new USG, Ms Bachelet, whom I warmly congratulate, has our fullest support for the challenging task laying ahead of her. Mr. President, I am confident that with the realization of all the commitments made today we can and we hopefully will - achieve real progress in meeting the challenges ahead of us.

Protection of women and their participation in all parts of society are two sides of the same medal. Resolution 1325 clearly stipulates that women must be seen as active players whose contributions in all aspects of peace-building and peace-keeping processes are absolutely essential for the (re-) construction of societies and in achieving sustainable peace and development.

It is time to move towards more concrete action. What can member states and the United Nations as a whole do?The German Government will shortly present it's third implementation report on resolution 1325 to Parliament.

Besides action being undertaken by member states, the United Nations as a whole has an important role to play in the implementation of resolution 1325.We are of the opinion that partnerships between member states and between member states and the United Nations are crucial.

As in other areas, "Delivering as one" should form the leitmotiv for UN action. All relevant UN entities should work together closely in order to guarantee that the available resources are effectively channelled and measured against the indicators proposed in the General Secretary's report. The setting up of an efficient monitoring system that measures progress achieved for women on the ground is also essential.

The Government of the Gambia, having recognized the prevailing poor indicators for the social, economic and health status of women and girls in developing countries, has joined the rest of the international community as signatory to several relevant treaties and resolutions, including the 1990 Convention on the Rights of the Child, the Programme of Action of the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development, the 1995 Beijing Plat

First and foremost, my delegation would like to take this opportunity to thank the Secretary-General for his explicit report and the practical recommendations therein on resolution 1325 (2000) (S/2010/498). We also align ourselves with the statement that will be delivered on behalf of the Group of African States.