Though we come from diverse cultures, with differing problems and perspectives, we were able to find strong unity of purpose. Our areas of common ground were great and our differences small. We were so very close to accomplishing our mutual goals; and we are convinced that -- with a little more flexibility and recognition by all members that we must complete our work within the allotted time -- we would have achieved agreed conclusions and made a very important statement for the well-being of women everywhere.

I am pleased that we were able to reach agreed conclusions on Participation and Access of Women to the Media, Information and Communications Technologies, and to achieve consensus on other important subjects addressed during the CSW’s two-week session. I also welcome the emphasis on issues relating to violence against women in both the HIV/AIDS resolution and the ICT agreed conclusions.

That the Commission could not reach agreement on a few issues must not divert us from our national and international responsibilities to end the scourge of trafficking, domestic violence, rape and other horrific acts of violence to which women are subjected. The United States hopes that the work of the Commission has raised awareness and recognition of the importance of this issue and of the need for political, economic and social empowerment of women, to ensure that they are able to live productive lives, free of violence and coercion.