General Women, Peace and Security

The Afghan people will never forget the generosity and great sacrifice of the United States, NATO partners, and other international partners, whose men and women have bravely stood with us to defend our common security, and ensure peace and stability for Afghanistan.

Their efforts should be appreciated and fully supported by the international community. I want to also pay tribute to the brave men and women of all ISAF contributing nations, including the 600 odd Bulgarian troops who risk their lives to bring security to the people of Afghanistan.

The formation of the new body, UN Women, aimed principally at promoting the rights of women and girls and equality between the sexes is an early success of UN reform, and is embraced by Grenada. Our desire to actively participate in the fulfillment of the noble objectives of UN Women has led us to seek membership on its Executive Board. I am hopeful that Grenada's candidacy will receive strong support and be elected.

My government also joins all other Heads of Governments who are member of the UN Family in congratulating the Secretary General of the United Nations, in bringing into reality the four years efforts in creating the office of UN WOMEN a new entity formally established by the UN General Assembly as of July of this year. This decision gives more prominence to women and their place in our societies.

It is only in the areas of maternal and child health that we may not achieve the set targets by 2015. However, in Uganda, we have developed a National Roadmap to accelerate the reduction of maternal and child mortality and morbidity. This is our comprehensive strategy which clearly spells out our national priorities.

We welcome the appointment of Michelet Bachelet, former president of Chile to oversee matters related to women and gender and giving the opportunity to participate in global challenges.

Establishment of UN Women is a system-wide coherence success-story. We congratulate Ms. Bachelet and pledge to support her in delivering on the promises made to UN Women.

It is time to make good on commitments made and follow-through on promises that will enable women to take an active role in situations that are a matter of life and death, not only for them, but for their families, communities, even nations. When we take stock in October – we should focus on action taken – and above all on action that needs to be taken.

This year also marks the ten year anniversary of another major UN building block: Security Council resolution 1325 on women, peace and security. Women's empowerment is not only a crucial factor in sustainable development, but also in sustainable peace.

This year in particular, we are heartened to see strong support for improving maternal health and reducing child mortality, the goals that are lagging behind the most. Norway will work with the Secretary-General to ensure that his Global Strategy for Women's and Children's Health is transformed into action on the ground.