“Comprehensive and sustainable development cannot be achieved without the participation of all segments of the society in the national development process. Accordingly, the UAE pays special attention to women's empowerment, where the UAE now occupies a prominent place among the countries of the world in terms of women's achievements and successes in all areas of life.

“The UAE strong believes that investment in human development is important in the long-term, and therefore it attaches great importance to the negotiations process on the international development agenda beyond 2015 . . . . My country has also supported the inclusion of goals focusing on . . . gender equality and women's empowerment.”

“The UAE expresses its serious concern at the current forms of extremism, terrorism and sectarian divisions in the region, which have become a grave threat to international peace and security. . . . The acts of these terrorist organizations, which include indiscriminate killings, mass executions, kidnappings and intimidation of innocent women and children, are criminal acts, which are strongly condemned by the UAE.”

“While these efforts...to eradicate sexual violence in conflict, to eliminate early forced marriage and to improve maternal and newborn health...are essential, we must do more than react to crises. We must invest in opportunities for women and girls. We must ensure that women participate fully in all parts of our society and in all the countries of these United Nations.

“Forced marriage is rape; it is violence against women. Early forced marriage is child rape, violence against young girls. The practice is abhorrent and indefensible. We condemn it. Even though some might prefer that we kept quiet. The discomfort of the audience is of small concern, particularly in the context of a crime that calls to heaven for justice. If this body does not act to protect young girls, who will?”

"Empowerment of women should constitute one of the main building blocks of the post-2015 development agenda. Any development agenda will fall short if it does not include the empowerment of women as a key component.”

“We have become that country...empowering women in their political and economic participation, coming in at the top places in the world of women ministers, parliamentarians, and mayors”

“We combat violence against women and children head on, with firm laws and social programs for both, with commissariats for women in all municipalities of the country.”

“2015 also marks the 15th anniversary of the adoption of Resolution 1325 of the Council of Security on women, peace and security. We reiterate our call to end impunity to crimes related to sexual violence that exist against women, and towards all abuse they suffer.”

“Every year, millions of girls, some as young as age nine, are forced into marriage. Since I began these remarks, 100 children have been forced into marriage; 1,100 per hour; more than 26,000 per day. The effects of early forced marriage are documented and beyond dispute. Early forced marriage harms health, halts education, destroys opportunity and enslaves young women in a life of poverty. A young woman once recounted her wedding date.

“To achieve a sustainable future, we need a concurrent basis in strong institutions, in solidarity, justice and social development, with a more targeted approach to marginalized groups, including women's empowerment, as well as a strong respect for the environment and innovative growth.”