Secretary-General Chungong, it is my great privilege and honor on behalf of my Office to name you as one of our Global Champions for the Fight Against Sexual Violence in Conflict. Your remarkable work in the area of gender equality, has been recognized by many especially the success you have had and continue to have in breaking down gender barriers and to make gender equality a reality in many national parliaments. Allow me to also congratulate you for the inaugural SDG 5 Male Champion for Change Award bestowed upon you on International Women鈥檚 Day this year.
Gender inequality is both a cause and consequence of CRSV. 听It is the invisible driver of conflict related sexual violence. Prevention of CRSV demands that we adopt a holistic approach that deals with both its root causes as well as its consequences.
The constituency advocating for the prevention and response to conflict related sexual violence has historically been 鈥�a struggle for women by women.鈥� 听
Secretary General Chungong, allow me to tell you how you symbolize the example of men stepping up beside women; and men taking responsibility with women to accelerate gender equality.
听This title of Global Champion is in recognition of your important work over the years on gender equality, human rights, the promotion of dialogue and conflict resolution, as well as your unwavering commitment to support my mandate through this Framework and to lead with advocacy and action within IPU and externally on the eradication of sexual violence in conflict.
I wish I could deliver this honor in person to you. I look forward to the many opportunities that we will have to work together under our new Framework.