[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.22″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.14.8″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” text_orientation=”justified” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]Excellencies, <\/p>\n
Dear colleagues, <\/p>\n
There is a moral element to our aspirations for gender-equality. It is driven by a need to correct a longstanding historical injustice, whereby women have been unfairly excluded from the halls of power and decision-making at all levels, whether in government or the private sector. We know this is wrong. <\/p>\n
In addition to this, there is a practical element. By hindering half of humanity from reaching their full potential, and from contributing to solving the common challenges confronting our species, we undermine our own progress. <\/p>\n
That is why Goal 5 of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development relates to women\u2019s empowerment. It follows from the recognition that by removing barriers to women\u2019s participation, and by supporting their efforts to contribute, we can build more resilient, more prosperous communities. <\/p>\n
Almost in every sector and profession we can find great examples of women leading, despite the odds arrayed against them. Their success has been our success, and it is self-defeating, as societies, to place obstacles in their path, or to not provide them with the necessary support to overcome those obstacles. <\/p>\n
This applies in particular to the corporate world and to the private sector. We must acknowledge that women have an equal right to pursue their dreams in business. And we must recognize that empowering women to pursue their dreams will have a transformative and trickle-down effect, benefiting countless others. <\/p>\n
By removing the unfair norms, practices and attitudes that hinder women in business we can enter a new era of economic progress and innovation. <\/p>\n
We have much work to do, especially as we grapple with the aftermath of a pandemic that has had a disproportionate impact on women, particularly women in the labor force. <\/p>\n
Despite retaining the same level of ambition, and despite working even harder in many cases, women have been at a stark disadvantage compared to men in recovering the millions of jobs they lost following the onset of the pandemic. <\/p>\n
As we craft and implement recovery policies, we must prioritize the gender dimension. Not only because it is right, but because we need all hands on deck to finally put this pandemic behind us. Only with the full and unhindered involvement of women can we truly recover better. <\/p>\n
Rest assured that I will remain true to these convictions throughout my Presidency of Hope. In alignment with my priorities for the session, I will continue to fight on behalf of women\u2019s empowerment, because I firmly believe that a brighter future for women means a brighter future for all of humanity. <\/p>\n
Thank you.[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The Arab Forum for Sustainable Development (AFSD) 2022: Recovery and Resilience<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":361,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"
Excellencies, colleagues,<\/p>
I welcome you all to our second meeting and our first interaction following the resumed part of the session.<\/p>
Before I begin, I would like to recognize the loss of our dear friend and esteemed colleague, Ms. Gail Farngalo.<\/p>
A Liberian national, Gail was my Team Leader for Human Rights and was active on gender during both the 75th<\/sup> and 76th<\/sup> sessions. She leaves behind a legacy of achievements and a groundswell of respect and affection from across the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ and diplomatic communities. Her presence is certainly felt here today.<\/p> Colleagues,<\/p> When I took on this Presidency of Hope, I pledged to make gender equality a priority area for the 76th<\/sup> session. I continue to look to the board for its wisdom and expertise, as I endeavour to fulfil that pledge.<\/p> In this regard, I have already benefited from the board\u2019s advice, from when we met on October 28th<\/sup> last year.<\/p> Acting on that advice, I committed to ensuring that all my five rays of hope, and all my major initiatives, are approached with a gender lens.<\/p> I made sure that the composition of my office is gender-balanced.<\/p> I have committed to participating only in panels that have equal gender representation.<\/p> Throughout my official interactions and travels, I have endeavoured to meet with women, including heads of states and governments, scientists, civil society representatives, and youth.<\/p> And I am proud to inform you that five young women have been recruited into the Fellowship for HOPE<\/em> that my office recently launched. The Fellowship as you are well aware is targeted at benefiting young diplomats from underrepresented countries, pursuing careers in diplomacy or public service.<\/p> Colleagues,<\/p> While recognizing that we have a long way to go in the battle for gender-equality, I am proud of what my team has been able to accomplish within the past few months.<\/p> Our work continues.<\/p> We will continue to raise our voices on issues disproportionately impacting women, such as domestic violence and work place harassment. We will continue to push the importance of gender-equal work spaces.<\/p> And we will continue to find new paths to empower young women with ambitious professional aspirations.<\/p> Now is not the time to rest on our laurels.<\/p> With the board\u2019s guidance and support, we must use the many opportunities over the coming months to further empower women and girls, and dismantle discriminatory practices against them.<\/p> There are several upcoming events that will provide us such opportunities. I look forward to the board\u2019s suggestions on how we can best utilize them.<\/p> As an example, the International Day of Women and Girls in science is fast approaching. We must recognize that women\u2019s contributions in science and technology have helped us cure diseases; discover new horizons in space; and develop technologies that have vastly improved our quality of life.<\/p> As we celebrate their achievements, we must also open pathways for young girls who aspire to follow in the footsteps of pioneers in science and technology.<\/p> Colleagues,<\/p> Let us also reflect that the theme chosen by the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women for this year is on \u201cachieving gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls in the context of climate change, environmental and disaster risk reduction policies and programmes\u201d.<\/p> As we strive to meet our obligations to the planet, let us recognize the important work done by women and girls at the forefront of the climate crisis, and whose humanitarian work in disaster-stricken areas has helped save lives and rebuild communities. We owe it to them to not only celebrate their work but to support them.<\/p> Colleagues,<\/p> Our programme of work for the months ahead has been circulated to members prior to the meeting, for consideration and feedback. Please note that the events we have planned are not exhaustive. I welcome further suggestions from the board on the content and format of future events and activities.<\/p> Colleagues,<\/p> We have made much progress within a short while. And with the board\u2019s support and guidance, I am sure that we can keep up this strong momentum.<\/p> I look forward to working alongside all of you to achieve our vision of a gender-equal world.<\/p> Thank you.<\/p>","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[111],"tags":[806,550,505,556,553],"committee-meeting":[],"class_list":["post-261275","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-speeches","tag-csw","tag-ga","tag-gender","tag-pga","tag-shahid","et-doesnt-have-format-content","et_post_format-et-post-format-standard"],"yoast_head":"\n