Girls' education is especially important. When girls go to school and get an education, this is not only their fundamental right, it's also good for the economy.
We need to ensure that peace operations deliver on their mandates to protect civilians.
Sexual exploitation and abuse must stop. We need zero tolerance and resolute action by the UN peacekeepers, development workers and humanitarian workers from a large number of countries are making a real difference, in numerous countries, including Mali and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The Sustainable Development Goals are ground-breaking. They provide us with a roadmap for the future we want. We have agreed to leave no one behind. This means that we must address inequality and social injustice and safeguard the rule of law. It also means that we must empower women and men alike.
We need to translate the Women, Peace and Security agenda into more effective action on the ground.
We have a clear responsibility to fight terrorism and step up our efforts to prevent violent extremism. In order to do so, we need to work closely with civil society, women, young people, faith leaders, and with local communities.