INDEX
OF REFERENCES
TO WOMEN AND GENDER
General
Debate of the 62nd Session of the General Assembly, 25 September
- 3 October 2007
The Gender Index
includes all references to gender, women, females, girls, gender
equality, violence against women and participation made in statements
delivered during the General Debate held on 25 September - 3 October
2007.
Reachingcriticalwill.org
has compiled a Disarmament
Index of all references to: arms control, disarmament,
multilateralism,
nuclear energy, nuclear weapon free zones, security, proliferation,
terrorism and weapons.
All statements are available on the UN
Website in the order in which they were delivered
Excerpts from statements in which references are made appear alphabetically
below, following selected statements from the opening
session
(Note: some transcripts were not available in English. Some excerpts
are therefore unofficial translations by the PeaceWomen staff.)
Click
on a country:
Opening Session
UNITED NATIONS secretary
general
H.E. Mr. BAN Ki-moon, Secretary-General
Meanwhile, the UN’s brave and exceptionally
committed humanitarian aid workers do their best to save lives.
They help protect civilian populations from the depredations of
armed militias, children from starvation, women from shameful violence.
President of the 62nd General
Assembly
H.E. Dr. Srgjan KERIM
Closing Statement
Afghanistan
H.E. Mr. Hamid KARZAI, President
No Gender References
Albania
H.E. Mr. Sali BERISHA, Prime Minister
No Gender References
Algeria
H.E. Mr. Mourad MEDELCI, Minister for Foreign Affairs
No Gender References
Andorra
H.E. Mr. Albert PINTAT, Prime Minister
No Gender References
Angola
H.E. Mr. José Eduardo DOS SANTOS,
No Gender References
Antigua
and Barbuda
H.E. Mr. Winston Baldwin Spencer, Prime Minister
We cannot continue talking while women and children are forced to
live in refugee camps.
Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment
We urge the UN system and member states to continue to pay special
attention to the issue of gender equality and women’s empowerment.
The dividends from investing in gender equality and women’s
empowerment are two-folded-democratic gains on one hand and development
gains on the other.
My government has placed top priority on empowering
women politically and economically. The Speaker of the House of
Assembly in Antigua and Barbuda is female. So, too, are the President
of the Senate and the Clerk of Parliament. My government has the
honour of having the first female elected Member of Parliament,
who currently holds the position of President of the Inter-American
Commission on Women.
We haven’t stopped there. The Chairman of
the Integrity Commission pursuant to the Integrity in Public Life
Act, is a woman. The Governor General of Antigua and Barbuda, appointed
earlier this year on the advice of the Prime Minister, is female.
The Ombudsman, a creature of the Constitution of Antigua and Barbuda
is also a woman. The Chairman of the Public Service Commission,
also a creature of the Constitution of Antigua and Barbuda is a
woman.
We continue to focus on increasing women’s
participation in the political decision making process. In this,
we have been helped by the normative framework of the various UN
Gender entities. We will continue to work towards even greater gender
parity in the political, economic and social spheres, and we encourage
all member states to do the same.
Argentina
H.E. Mr. Néstor Carlos KIRCHNER, President
No Gender References
Armenia
H.E. Mr. Vartan OSKANIAN, Minister for Foreign Affairs
No Gender References
Australia
H.E. Mr. Robert HILL, Ambassador and Permanent Representative
No Gender References
Austria
H.E. Ms. Ursula PLASSNIK, Minister of European and International
Affairs
At the outset, let me mention a
burning issue- the situation in Myanmar/Burma: we join the call
of many, including our partners in the EU and in ASEAN, for an immediate
cessation of violence. The bloodshed has to stop. Democratic rights,
the freedom of assembly and expression have to be respected. We
reiterate the call for the release from detention of Nobel Peace
Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, the leader of the Burmese democratic
opposition. This appeal was also made at this morning’s meeting
of the Women Empowerment Network that unites women leaders form
around the globe.
To this end, Burkina Faso and Austria
will co-host a conference in Ouagadougou in November on how to create
sustainable peace. This meeting unite participants form ECOWAS countries
and Europe in an endeavor to provide a common input to the Lisbon
summit…and by actively promoting the education of girls.
Women across the world are ready
to bear a key responsibility in conflict prevention, conflict resolution
and peace building. But women also need to given a fair share of
positions in international mediation and peace building efforts.
Not so long ago, there was not a single woman among the 54 United
Nations Special Representatives and Envoys to conflict and post-conflict
regions. I am encouraged by the Secretary-General’s support
on this matter and the recent nomination of three women Deputy Special
Representatives for Liberia, Sudan, and Lebanon. It is also up to
us, the Member States, to nominate more women for such positions.
No conflict is too complex or too
deep to durably resist dialogue…We must actively combat attempts
to hijack religion for other purposes-anywhere in our global village.
Religious leaders must also take a clear stance in condemning and
fighting practices not related to religion such as “honour
killings” and female genital mutilation.
All human beings are born free and
equal in dignity and rights. It is, therefore, not acceptable that
human rights are relativized or diminished in relation to geography
or other factors. No doubt-women must enjoy the same universal rights-wherever
they live, whatever their culture, creed, or religion.
If we are truly committed to human
security it is essential that we make every effort to meet the Millennium
Development Goals, by determined, concentrated action to eradicate
poverty and hunger, to promote equality between men and women and
to protect out planets’ resources.
Azerbaijan
H.E. Mr. Elmar MAMMADYAROV, Minister of Foreign Affairs
No Gender References
Bahamas
H.E. The Honourable Theodore Brent SYMMONETTE, Deputy Prime
Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs
In spite of the efforts of the various entities
and the existence of United Nations Conventions to protect the rights
of women and children, discrimination and violence against women
and children persist throughout the world.
In an effort to better address this problem, The Bahamas has drafted
a new Child Protective Act and Domestic Violence Protection Order
Act to enhance and provide greater protection to these vulnerable
groups.
Bahrain
H.E. Shaikh Khalid Bin Ahmed Bin Mohamed AL KHALIFA, Minister of
Foreign Affairs
No Gender References
Bangladesh
H.E. Dr. Fakhruddin AHMED, Chief Adviser (Head of the Government)
of the non-party interim caretaker government of Bangladesh
No Gender References
Barbados
H.E. The Honourable Dame Billie A. MILLER, M.P., Senior Minister,
Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade
Gender equity and the empowerment of women are
critical to development at both national and international levels.
There is need to improve the way in which gender is treated within
the context of the United Nations. It is crucial that the proposal
to establish a new gender architecture is further discussed at the
inter-governmental level and all concerns addressed and taken into
consideration before a final decision is made. Any new structure
must give due prominence not only to normative and advocacy issues
but also to issues of development, operational activities and adequate
resources.
Belarus
H.E. Sergei N. Martynov, Minister of Foreign Affairs
No Gender References
Belgium
H.E. Mr. Karet DE GUCHT, Minister of Foreign Affairs
No Gender References
Belize
H.E. Ms. Lisa SHOMAN, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign
Trade
No Gender References
Benin
H.E. Dr. Moussa OKANLA, Minister for Foreign Affairs, La Francophonie
and Benineses
Widespread violation of international humanitarian
law and war crimes against civilian populations, particulary against
women and children in situations of conflict must continue to be
given our attention.
Bhutan
H.E. Mr. Yeshey DORJI, Foreign Secretary and Leader of the
Bhutanese Delegation
No Gender References
Bolivia
H.E. Mr. Evo MORALES AYMA, President
No Gender References
Bosnia
and Herzegovina
H.E. Mr. Zeljko KOMSIC, Chairman of the Presidency
No Gender References
Botswana
H.E.Mr. Festus G. MOGAE, President
No Gender References
Brazil
H.E. Mr. Luiz Inácio Lula DA SILVA, President
No Gender References
Brunei
Darussalam
His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed BOLKIAH, Minister for Foreign
Affairs and Trade
No Gender References
BulgaRia
H.E. Ivailo KALFIN, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for
Foreign Affairs
No Gender References
Burkina
Faso
H.E. Mr. Djibrill Yipènè Bassole, Minister
for Foreign Affairs
No Gender References
Burundi
H.E. Mr. Martin NDUWIMANA, Vice-President
No Gender References
Cambodia
H.E. Mr. Hor NAMHONG, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for
Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation
No Gender References
Cameroon
H.E. Mr. Paul BIYA, President
No Gender References
Canada
H.E. Mr. Maxime BERNIER, Minister of Foreign Affairs
No Gender References
Cape
Verde
H.E. Mr. José María Pereria NEVES, Prime Minister
No Gender References
Central
African Republic
H.E. Mr. Côme Zoumara
No Gender References
Chad
H.E. Mr. Ahmad ALLAM-MI, Minister for Foreign Affairs
No Gender References
Chile
H.E. Mrs. Michelle Bachelet JERIA, President
No Gender References
ChinA
H.E. Mr. YANG Jiechi, Minister of Foreign Affairs
No Gender References
Colombia
H.E. Mr. Álvaro URIBE VELEZ, President
The options open for the release of kidnapped victims,
which includes a French female citizen that is also Colombian, and
three American citizens, are not options for the political positioning
of terrorism.
Comoros
H.E. Mr. Ahmed Abdallah Mohamed SAMBI, President
No Gender References
Congo
H.E. Mr. Basile IKOUEBE, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Cooperation
and la Francophonie
No Gender References
Costa
Rica
H.E. Mr. Bruno Stagno UGARTE, Minister for Foreign Affairs
and Worship
No Gender References
Cote
d'Ivoire
Mr. Laurent GBAGBO, President
No Gender References
Croatia
H.E. Mr. Stjepan MESIC, President
No Gender References
Cuba
H.E. Mr Felipe PEREZ ROQUE, Minister of Foreign Affairs
No Gender References
Cyprus
H.E. Mr. Tassos PAPADOPOULOS, President
No Gender References
Czech
Republic
H.E. Mr. Václav KLAUS, President
No Gender References
Democratic
Republic of Congo
H.E. Mr. Joseph KABILA KABANGE, President
No Gender References
Democratic
People's Republic of Korea
H.E. Mr. Choe Su Hon, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs
No Gender References
Denmark
H.E. Mr. Carsten STAUR, Ambassador and Permanent Representative
Another major global challenge, to which Denmark
attaches great importance, is to obtain equal opportunities for
women. Here we also see a crucial role for an effective UN where
gender equality is dealt with in a strengthened ad systematic way
– especially at country level.
In our view, no one should be excluded from contributing
to peace, freedom and development. It is, therefore, of paramount
importance – as a judicial, moral and ethical responsibility
– that women everywhere have the same opportunities as men.
In the fight against poverty it is an absolute necessity. Women
must have equal rights as well as full access to employment, land
and financial resources. Only then can development assistance realize
its true potential and poverty be alleviated.
Donors must actively support partner countries
in achieving gender equality. In the coming years, Denmark will
have a strong focus on women and their role in development and conflict
resolution. Setting goals, earmarking funds and monitoring progress
to ensure that politics create results. Making a difference in this
respect will require leadership from all parties. Without addressing
the role of women we will never manage to halve extreme poverty
by 2015. And our efforts to support the rights and empowerment of
women must be complemented by a targeted effort to promote sexual
and reproductive health and rights.
Dominica
H.E. Mr. Charles A. SAVARIN, Minister of Foreign Affairs
No Gender References
Dominican
Republic
H.E. Mr. Leonel FERNANDEZ REYNA, President
No Gender References
Ecuador
H.E, Mr. Rafael CORREA, President
No Gender References
Egypt
H.E.Mr. Ahmed Aboul GHEIT, Minister of Foreign Affairs
No Gender References
Equatorial
Guinea
H.E. Mr. Teodoro Obiang Nguema MBASOGO, President
No Gender References
El
Salvador
H.E. Mr. Elías Antonio Saca GONZALEZ, President
No Gender References
Estonia
H.E. Mr. Toomas Hendrik ILVES, President
No Gender References
Ethiopia
H.E. Mr. Seyoum MESFIN, Minister of Foreign Affairs
No Gender References
Eritrea
H.E. Mr. Osman Saleh, Minister of Foreign Affairs
No Gender References
Finland
H.E.Mrs. Tarja HALONEN, President
We must sustain our efforts to make the Council
a credible institution – capable of defending and promoting
globally the human rights of women, men and children. Our good words
and intentions must lead to strong action.
Finland warmly welcomes the Panel’s recommendations
concerning gender. We do need to take decisive measures to promote
gender awareness across the entire UN system. We support the proposal
to set up a new, consolidated gender agency and the new Under-Secretary-General
position as its head.
In this context, I would like to stress the importance
of engaging women in all phases of crisis management: conflict prevention,
peacekeeping and peacebuilding – not forgetting peace talks.
Let me give one example: the UNIFEM Middle East Initiative. I believe
that the cooperation between Israeli and Palestinian women under
this initiative can help to restart the peace negotiations. I also
use this opportunity to state that Finland is preparing her national
action plan to advance the implementation of Security Council Resolution
1325 on “Women, Peace and Security”.
Fiji
H.E. Commodore Josaia Voreqe BAINIMARAMA, Prime Minister and Commander
of the Military Forces
No Gender References
France
Mr. Nicolas SARKOZY, President
No Gender References
Gabon
H.E. Mr. Jean PING, Deputy Prime Minister in charge of Foreign Affairs,
Cooperation, La Francophonie and Regional Integration Former President
of the General Assembly
No Gender References
Gambia
H.E. Aja Dr. Isatou NJIE-SAIDY, Vice-President
As we gather here, thousands of innocent civilians
including women and children continue to be victimized by the fratricidal
conflict in the Sudanese region of Darfur.
Within Iraq itself, the conflict has brought untold
suffering on the civilian population including women and children.
Germany
H.E. Mrs. Angela MERKEL, Chancellor
No Gender References
Georgia
H.E. Mr Mikheil SAAKASHVILI, President
In South Ossetia, the courage of common men and
women – who have chosen dialogue over division, and reconciliation
over recriminations – is making a difference.
In closing, I would like to share with you the
insights of a woman whose name is on our minds and in our hearts
today – Aung San Suu Kyi.
Her courage, her resolve, her reflections on peace
and democracy, cannot be imprisoned – they travel across every
border and barrier to inspire us all.
Her words are of profound relevance to the people
of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. I believe they also must be a beacon
for all of us in this room.
Ghana
H.E. Mr. John Agyekum KUFUOR, President
No Gender References
Greece
H.E. Dr. Yannis VALINAKIS, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs
No Gender References
Grenada
H.E. The Honourable Elvin NIMROD, Minister for Foreign Affairs,
International Trade, Legal Affairs, Carriacou and Petite Martinique
Affairs
It is well known that women are the most affected
by poverty, and suffer the highest levels of marginalization. As
the United Nations continues its look at the issue of the “gender
architecture” and the general advancement of women, Grenada
sees the empowerment of women as being critical for our development.
We therefore urge other states to contribute to
the many bodies of the United Nations which promote and seek to
secure avenues for women in the development process. Let us contribute
to their budget and not to their demise; for even if only a few
benefit, it sets the stage for others to follow. In our view, the
advancement of women represents a most powerful force for social
and economic progress. Investment in gender mainstreaming is an
investment in social justice, economic diversity and political stability.
The UN must lead by example. Guided by the tenets
of the Millennium Development Goals, Grenada is working arduously
to improve the status of its women. Several years ago only a few
women held high political and public offices in Grenada, but today,
we are proud to report that approximately 50% of our cabinet or
executive branch is made up of women, and many others hold top positions
within the public service.
Guatemala
H.E. Mr. Oscar Berger PERDOMO, President
No Gender References
Guinea
H.E. Mr. Lansana KOUYATÉ, Prime Minister
No Gender References
Guinea
Bissau
H.E. Mr. João Bernardo VIEIRA, President
No Gender References
Guyana
H.E. Mr. Timothy HARRIS, Minister for Foreign Affairs
No Gender References
Haiti
Mr. René Garcia PREVAL, President
No Gender References
Holy
See
H.E. Archbishop Dominique MAMBERTI, Secretary
The legitimate quest for equality between men and
women has achieved positive results. Nevertheless, inequalities
in the exercise of basic human rights unfortunately still persist
in many places. This leads to a breakdown in social fabric and results
in women’s objectification and exploitation. The vindication
of equality needs to be accompanied by the awareness that it goes
hand in hand with and does not endanger, much less contradict, the
recognition of both the difference and complementarity between men
and women.
Honduras
H.E. Mr. José Manuel Zelaya ROSALES, President
No Gender References
Hungary
Hungary - H.E. Ms. Kinga GÖNCZ, Minister of Foreign
Affairs
Allow me to put a special emphasis on women’s
empowerment. We firmly believe in the need for effective involvement
of women in the decision-making processes at both national and international
levels. In this respect Hungary supports the ongoing debate on the
future of the strengthened gender equality architecture and welcomes
the steps towards an effective gender mainstreaming throughout the
entire UN system.
Iceland
H.E. Mrs. Ingibjörg Sólrún Gísladóttir,
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Iceland regards women’s empowerment and full
participation at all levels as a fundamental issue for the New Millennium.
Whether it be in relation to peace and security, health, poverty
or climate change, empowerment of women is key to success. Women
and men need to be equally represented and listened to everywhere.
I would like to reiterate Iceland’s support
for the recommendations of the Panel on System Wide Coherence regarding
gender equality and women’s empowerment. The current UN structure
and approach to gender issues in too fragmented. The excellent work
of UNIFEM must be built upon and reinforced within the new structures.
We firmly support the establishment of a new gender
entity to strengthen the UN’s performance in this field of
work. Establishing the post of Under-Secretary General for gender
equality issues would provide string leadership and coordination,
and it is my hope that this post will be quickly filled. Gender
mainstreaming has to be addressed throughout the whole UN system
in a more systematic manner.
A key instrument for ensuring human security is
Security Council Resolution 1325, which needs to be thoroughly implemented.
Millions of individuals experience assaults on
their personal security. In this context, allow me to express deep
concern over events in Myanmar, where the democratically elected
leader Aung San Suu Kyi has been held in detention for years and
where peaceful expression of political dissent is at present being
brutally oppressed.
I am thinking of the failure of authorities around
the world to ensure the protection of women and children from violence
and trafficking.
It is clear to me that most people in Israel and
Palestine yearn for peace. […] In particular, women from both
sides voice their distress at the long-term effects of continued
conflict on their children, who are the future of this region.
India
H.E. Mr. Pranab MUKHERJEE, Minister of External Affairs
I affirm India’s resolve to achieve the internationally
agreed development goals, including the Millennium Development Goals.
The Government of India accords the highest priority to inclusive
growth, including the political, legal, educational and economic
empowerment of women, effective and affordable public health and
enhanced access to educational opportunities, especially for all
those who are disadvantaged.
Indonesia
H.E. Dr. Susilo Bambang YUDHOYONO, President
No Gender References
IraN
H.E. Dr. Mahmoud AHMADINEJAD
The precious existence of women as the manifestation
of divine beauty and as the peak of kindness, affection and purity
has been the target of heavy exploitation in recent decades by the
holders of power and the owners of media and wealth. In some societies,
this beloved human has been reduced to a mere instrument of publicity,
and all the boundaries and protective shields of chastity, purity,
and beauty have been trampled. This is a colossal betrayal of human
society, of succeeding generations, and an irreparable blow to the
pillar of social coherence, the family.
Iraq
H.E. Mr. Nori Kamil AL-MALIKY, Prime Minister
Our people, who have enjoyed the taste of freedom
after eras of tyranny and oppression, will continue the road towards
building a State of institutions, reinforcing the authority of the
Law, respecting human rights and the active participation of women
in all areas.
Ireland
H.E. Mr. Dermot AHERN, T.D., Minister for Foreign Affairs
It is not acceptable in today’s world that
there are still 980 million living in abject poverty, that half
of the developing world has no access to basic sanitation or that
half a million women will die in pregnancy or childbirth each year.
Israel
H.E. Ms. Tzipi LIVNI, Vice Prime Minister and Minister for
Foreign Affairs
No Gender References
Italy
H.E. Mr. Romano PRODI, Prime Minister
No Gender References
Jamaica
H.E. Dr. The Honourable Kenneth BAUGH, Deputy Prime Minister
and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade
Jamaica recognizes the importance of the protection
of the human rights of women which is critical to the international
process aimed at achieving gender equality and the development of
women.
Japan
H.E. Mr. Masahiko KOUMURA, Minister for Foreign Affairs
No Gender References
Jordan
H.E. Mr. Abdelelah AL KHALIB, Minister of Foreign Affairs
No Gender References
Kazakhstan
H.E. Mr. Nursultan NAZARBAYEV, President
No Gender References
Kenya
H.E. The Honourable Raphael TUJU, EGH, MP Minister for Foreign
Affairs
I appeal for closer collaboration by the International
Community in addressing the complex and difficult problem of Somalia.
There are several windows of opportunity that we must take advantage
of to prevent the extreme human suffering especially of women and
Children in that sister country.
Kiribati
H.E. The Honourable Natanaera KIRATA, Minister of Public
Works and Utilities
No Gender References
Kuwait
H.E Sheikh Mohammad Al-Sabah Al-Salem AL-SABAH, Deputy Prime
Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs
The State of Kuwait have made good progress in
translating the commitments and resolutions of the 2005 World Summit
into tangible realities, it also achieved the Millennium Development
Goals, particularly in the fields of education, health and advancing
the role of women in the society.
Lao
People's Democratic Republic
H.E. Dr. Thongloun SISOULITH, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister
for Foreign Affairs
No Gender References
Latvia
H.E. Mr. Valdis ZATLERS, President
No Gender References
Lebanon
H.E. General Emile LAHOUD, President
No Gender References
Lesotho
H.E. The Honourable Archibald Lesao LEHOHLA, Deputy Prime
Minister
No Gender References
Liechtenstein
H.E. Ms. Rita KIEBER BECK, Minister of Foreign Affairs
No Gender References
Liberia
H.E. Mr. Joseph Nyumah BOAKAI, Vice-President
Pursuant to our call for reform of the United Nations,
we today call on Member States to give meaning and expression to
gender equality. We propose that the United Nations recommits itself
to ensuring an equitable partnership of women and men in the leadership
of our Organization. Reforming the United Nations also means reforming
our attitude toward women and other minority groups world-wide.
There is no doubt in our mind that women would significantly contribute
to the change process in this organization.
Libya
H.E. Mr. Abdurrahman Mohamed SHALGHAM, Secretary
In cooperation with Cuba and Nigeria, Libya established
the South-South Programme for Healthcare in Africa and in 2006 launched
the Gaddafi Program for African Women, Children, and Young People
which provides healthcare and educational services in Africa.
Lithuania
H.E. Mr. Valdas ADAMKUS
Seven years ago, in this United Nations conclave,
all nations made a historic step, pledging to eradicate poverty,
illiteracy, and environmental degradation, to improve health and
promote gender equality.
Luxembourg
H.E. Mr. Jean Asselborn, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister
for Foreign Affairs and Immigration
No Gender References
Macedonia
H.E. Mr. Branko CRVENKOVSKI, President
No Gender References
Madagascar
H.E. Mr. Marc RAVALOMANANA, President
No Gender References
Malawi
H.E. Mr. Bingu Wa MUTHARIKA, President
We have also placed at the top of our development
paradigm, research, science and technology including information
and communications technology, gender empowerment and environment
protection.
In the area of gender equality the MDG set to promote
gender equality and empowerment of women by integrating targeted
programs for women to enable them to become part of the economic
growth. In Malawi, there is a high adult illiteracy level of 48%
for women as compared to 24% for men, high girl dropout rates from
formal schooling system, high vulnerability to HIV and AIDS infection.
We are addressing these problems. My Government is also empowering
women in the political, economic and social areas. In the past three
years, there have been more women in Ministerial and other management
positions than ever before. For example, women in Malawi now hold
key positions of Attorney General, Deputy Governor of the Reserve
Bank of Malawi; five full Cabinet Ministers; one Deputy Minister,
Chairperson of the Human Rights Comission, Clerk of Parliament,
several Ambassadors, Principal Secretaries and Chairpersons of Statutory
Corporations.
Malaysia
H.E. The Honourable Dato' Seri Abdullah Ahmad BADAWI, Prime
Minister
No Gender References
Maldives
H.E. Abdulla SHAHID, Minister of Foreign Affairs
No Gender References
Malta
H.E. The Honourable Mr. Lawrence GONZI, Prime Minister
We are concerned with the life and survival of
those that do not have a voice to cry out against the injustices,
underdevelopment, human rights violations, gender discrimination,
poverty, child labour and environmental degradation.
Marshall
Islands
H.E. Mr. Kessai H. NOTE, President
No Gender References
Mauritania
H.E.Mr. Sidi Mohamed Ould Cheikh ABDELLAHI, President
In the same atmosphere of freedom and pluralism,
municipal and legislative elections have made it possible to choose
representatives of the people in municipal councils and the two
houses of parliament. Special attention was given to Mauritanian
women. In each of these elections, 20% of the contested seats were
reserved for women. As a result, women are now more present than
ever in the pyramid of legislative and executive powers, as well
as in local administration, in diplomacy, and in local management.
Mauritius
H.E. Dr. The Honourable Navinchandra RAMGOOLAM, Prime Minister
We have enacted several legislations and we continue
to enhance our legislative and institutional framework for further
protection and promotion of human rights and fundamental freedoms.
We have set up the National Human Rights Commission, the Sex Discrimination
Division, the Office of the Ombudsperson for Children and the Human
Rights Center to ensure and promote compliance with fundamental
rights and freedoms of the individual and the international instruments
on human rights.
Mexico
H.E. Mr. Claude HELLER, Ambassador and Permanent Representative
No Gender References
Micronesia
H.E. Mr. Emanuel MORI, President
No Gender References
Moldova
H.E. Mr. Andrei STRATAN, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister
for Foreign Affairs and European Integration
No Gender References
Monaco
Prince Albert II, Prince
No Gender References
Mongolia
H.E. Mr. Enkhbold NYAMAA, Minister of Foreign Affairs
No Gender References
Montenegro
H.E. Mr. Zeljko STURANOVIC, Prime Minister
No Gender References
Morocco
H.E. Mr. Mohamed BENAISSA, Minister of Foreign Affairs
No Gender References
Mozambique
H.E. Mr. Armando Emílio GUEBUZA, President
No Gender References
Myanmar
H.E. U NYAN Win, Minister of Foreign Affairs
No Gender References
Namibia
H.E. Mr. Marco HAUSIKU, MP, Minister of Foreign Affairs
No Gender References
Nauru
H.E. Mr. Ludwig SCOTTY, President
No Gender References
Nepal
H.E. Mrs. Sahana PRADHAN, Minister of Foreign Affairs
We support effective gender architecture in the
United Nations and even stringer regional and country presence of
UN on gender issues. Nepal accords high priority to promotion of
women’s right, gender equality and empowerment of women. A
parliamentary declaration adopted on May 30, 2006 has provided for
equal property and citizenship rights to women and their representation
on at least one third of the elected bodies, including in the parliament.
Netherlands
H.E. Mr. Jan Peter BALKENENDE, Prime Minister and Minister
for General Affairs
No Gender References
New
Zealand
H.E. Ms. Rosemary BANKS, Ambassador and Permanent Representative
We attach particular importance to working for
a strengthened, coherent, gender architecture and toward effective
gender mainstreaming across all UN entities.
New Zealand welcomes the completion of the United
Nations Pacific-Based Development Agencies’ Strategic Framework
for the Pacific. We are keen to work closely with UN agencies to
achieve positive outcomes for our Pacific partners in the areas
of human rights, sexual and reproductive health, HIV/AIDS, child
immunization and women’s leadership.
Nicaragua
H.E. Mr. Daniel Ortega SAAVEDRA, President
No Gender References
Niger
H.E. Ms. Aichatou MINDAOUDOU
No Gender References
Nigeria
H.E. Mr. Umaru YAR’ ADUA, President
No Gender References
Norway
H.E. Mr. Jens STOLTENBERG, Prime Minister
In particular we are lagging behind in fulfilling
the Millennium Development Goals on child and maternal health. Every
year almost 10 million children die before the age of 5. Many lives
can be saved by inexpensive and effective vaccines. And not only
newborns but their mothers as well. Each year 500 000 women die
in connection with childbirth.
We launch today an advocacy campaign for women
and children to ensure that our message will reach every corner
of the world.
I am pleased to announce that we are building a
Network of Global Leaders to oversee and ensure that the women and
children will indeed be given priority.
Today, let me also announce that Norway is pledging
1 billion US dollars over 10 years to support the Millennium Goals
on child and maternal health.
The panel’s report sets out a way forward.
The UN has not broken down, but it requires maintenance. Therefore,
the panel did not propose revolutionary changes. Rather, we put
forward some practical, achievable and effective measures, building
on the thrust of decisions already made by Member States. A new
gender architecture is urgently needed.
Oman
H.E. Minister Sayyid Badr Bin Hamad ALBUSAIDI, Secretary
General of the Foreign Ministry
No Gender References
Pakistan
H.E. Mr. Riaz Mohammad KHAN, Foreign Secretary and Leader
of Pakistan Delegation
I wish to express our deep satisfaction and pride
at the significant achievements of your predecessor Her Excellency
Sheikha Haya Al-Rashid Al-Khalifa during her Presidency. Her stature
and accomplishments symbolize the prominent role that women are
playing in the Muslim world.
Palau
H.E. Mr. Elias Camsek Chin, Vice-President
No Gender References
Palestine
H.E. Mr. Moumoud ABBAS, chairman of the Executive Commitee of Palestinean
Liberation Organization and President of the Palestinean Authority
No Gender References
Panama
H.E. Mr. Martin Torrijos ESPINO, President
No Gender References
Papua
New Guinea
Grand Chief RT. Hon. Sir Michael Thomas SOMARE, GCL, GCMG,
CH, CF, KStJ, Prime Minister
No Gender References
Paraguay
H.E. Mr. Nicanor Duarte FRUTOS, President
Paraguay recognizes the importance of the inclusion
of gender as a theme in the agenda of the United Nations and the
actual coordination between all the agencies and bodies of the system
for the handling of the situation of the woman in the world, specifically
in the developing countries. With growing vigor we reject the existing
inequalities between men and women, in the political, economic,
social and cultural sectors.
Irrespective of the internal actions that we adopt
in order to fight this discrimination, we consider the United Nations
the most adequate forum to delineate programs that accompany the
national policies aimed at advancing equality.
(Translated from Spanish by the Peacewomen staff)
Peru
H.E. Mr. Gonzalo Gutierrez REINEL, Vice Minister, Secretary-General
of Foreign Affairs
No Gender References
Philippines
H.E. Mrs. Gloria Macapagal ARROYO, President
This the time for Myanmar to return to the path of democracy and
to release Daw Aung San Suu Kyi-now-and to involve all the parties
including the National League for Democracy in the democratization
and the constitutional process.
Poland
H.E. Mr. Lech KACZYNSKI, President
No Gender References
Portugal
H.E. Mr. José SOCRATES, Prime Minister
Furthermore, the EU values as an essential part
of the development agenda the importance of gender equality and
the empowerment of women. In this context, the EU looks forward
to a strengthened gender entity and architecture, which is able
to perform and deliver for women and girls at the normative, policy,
and operational level.
Qatar
His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa AL-THANI, Amir
No Gender References
Republic
of Korea
H.E. Mr. SONG Min-soon
My government has substantially increased its efforts
to eliminate discrimination against vulnerable groups such as women,
children and persons with disabilities. We have vigorously pushed
for necessary legislation and the improvement of institutional frameworks
to protect and promote the rights of such individuals.
Romania
H.E. Mr. Adrian MIHAICIOROIANU, Minister of Foreign Affairs
No Gender References
Russian
Federation
H.E. Mr. Sergey Viktorovich LAVROV, Minister of Foreign Affairs
No Gender References
Rwanda
H.E Mr Paul KAGAME, President
In the same context of the ongoing reforms, the
proposal to restructure the gender portfolio is most welcome. We
agree with the findings of the High-level Panel that the UN’s
contribution to gender issues have been incoherent, under-resourced
and fragmented. The proposed reforms will assist in overcoming these
shortcomings.
Today in the Great Lakes region, forces that committed
genocide in Rwanda in 1994 continue their destructive operations.
Almost fourteen years after their deeds in our country, they are
still sowing mayhem in the region – they rape, murder, terrorize
and plunder with impunity. Their leaders are active in Europe, America
and Africa where they continue to promote the ideology of genocide.
There can be no doubt that these terror groups constitute a threat
to international peace and security.
Samoa
H.E. The Honourable Tuila'epa Sailele MALIELEGAOI, Prime
Minister
No Gender References
San
Marino
H.E. Mr. Fiorenzo Stolfi, Head of Government and Minister
for Foreign and Political Affairs and Economic Planning
San Marino fully shares the commitment undertaken
on a global scale to achieve the Millenium Goals and is ready to
offer its own contribution and its collaboration to eradicate endemic
problems, by fully recognizing the fundamental rights of the most
vulnerable groups of society, such as the elderly, women, children
and disabled people.
…my country has launched some awareness raising
and effective intervention campaigns, such as the campaign on violence
against women and in favour of children’s rights.
Sao
Tome and Principe
H.E. Mr. Fradique Bandeira Melo de MENEZES
No Gender References
Senegal
H.E. Mr. Abdoulaye WADE, President
No Gender References
Serbia
H.E. Mr. Boris TADIC, President
No Gender References
Seychelles
H.E. Mr. Patrick Pillay, Minister of Foreign Affairs
No Gender References
Sierra
Leone
H.E. Professor Joe R. PEMAGBI, Ambassador and Permanent Representative
No Gender References
Singapore
H.E. Mr. George YEO, Minister of Foreign Affairs
No Gender References
Slovakia
H.E. Mr. Ivan GASPAROVIC, President
No Gender References
Slovenia
H.E. Mr. Janez JANSA, Prime Minister
No Gender References
Soloman
Islands
H.E. Patterson OTI, Minister of Foreign Affairs
No Gender References
Somalia
H.E. Husein Elahe FAHIYE, Minister of Foreign Affairs
No Gender References
South
Africa
H.E. Mr. Thabo MBEKI, President
No Gender References
Spain
H.E. Sr. Don Miguel Angel Moratinos, Minister of Foreign Affairs
No Gender References
Sri
Lanka
H.E. Mr. Mahinda RAJAPAKSA, President
Sri Lanka’s ancient civilization was rooted
in the Buddhist principles of Metta and Ahmisa-Metta being loving
kindness to all living beings and Ahmisa being a deep respect for
life. Human rights have been an essential part of our great cultural
tradition for millennia. It is therefore nothing new for us to protect
human rights. Women in pre-colonial Sri Lanka enjoyed rights that
are prescribed under CEDAW – including rights of property
ownership and inheritance rights. It was certainly not an accident
that Sri Lanka produced the first democratically elected woman Prime
Minister in the world in 1960.
“Mahinda Chintana”, ten year development
vision includes continuous qualitative upgrading of education and
health programmes in all areas, livelihoods initiatives for low
income groups, and broad social welfare programs covering poor and
disadvantaged of society, and those specifically aimed and children
and women.
St
Kitts and Nevis
H.E. Mr. Timothy HARRIS, Minister for Foreign Affairs
No Gender References
St
Lucia
H.E. Mr. Stephenson KING, Prime Minister, Minister of Finance,
External Affairs, Home Affairs and National Security
No Gender References
St
Vincent and the Grenadines
H.E. Dr. The Honourable Ralph E. GONSALVES, Prime Minister
No Gender References
Suriname
H.E. Mrs. Lygia KRAAG-KETELDIJ, Minister of Foreign Affairs
No Gender References
Swaziland
H.M. King MSWATI III, Head of State
No Gender References
Sweden
H.E. Mr. Anders LIDÉN, Ambassador and Permanent Representative
How can we ever achieve true progress of women’s
crucial role in peace building and development is not recognized?
Gender equality and women’s rights, participation, influence
and empowerment are key goals in themselves and are also crucial
for sustainable poverty reduction.
Switzerland
H.E. Mrs. Micheline CALMY-REY, President
No Gender References
Sudan
H.E. Dr. Lam Akol AJAWIN, Minister of Foreign Affairs
No Gender References
SYRIAN
ARAB REPUBLIC
H.E. Mr. Walid AL-MOUALEM, Minister for Foreign Affairs
No Gender References
Tajikistan
H.E. Mr. Sirodjidin ASLOV, Ambassador and Permanent Representative
No Gender References
Tanzania
H.E. Mr. Jakaya Mrisho KIKWETE
In this regard, we welcome the initiative mentored
by the Norwegian Prime Minister Mr. Jens Stoltenberg to launch a
global campaign to mobilize resources for achieving the MDG 4 on
reducing infant mortality rates and MDG 5 on reducing maternal mortality
rates. Tanzania supports the effort and we are happy to beassociated
with it.
Thailand
H.E. General Surayud CHULANONT. Prime Minister
No Gender References
Timor-Leste
H.E. Mr. José RAMOS-HORTA, President
No Gender References
Togo
H.E. Mr. Zarifou AYEVA, Minister for Foreign Affairs and
Integration
No Gender References
Tonga
H.E. Sonatano T. Taumoepeau TUPOU, Minister of Foreign Affairs
No Gender References
Trinidad
and Tobago
H.E. Mr. Philip SEALY, Ambassador and Permanent Representative
I wish also to take this opportunity to express
Trinidad and Tobago’s deep appreciation for the leadership
of your predecessor in Office, Her Excellency Shaikha Haya Rashed
Al-Khalifa of the Kingdom of Bahrain, the first Arab woman to hold
that lofty position.
Tunisia
H.E. Mr. Abdelwaheb ABDALLAH, Minister of Foreign Affairs
No Gender References
Turkey
H.E. Mr. Recep Tayyip ERDOGAN, Prime Minister
No Gender References
Turkmenistan
Mr. Gurbanguly BERDYMUKHAMMEDOV, President
No Gender References
Tuvalu
H.E. The Honourable Tavau TEII, Deputy Prime Minister and
Minister for Natural Resources
No Gender References
Uganda
H.E. The Honourable Sam K. KUTESA, Minister for Foreign Affairs
No Gender References
Ukraine
H.E. Mr. Volodymyr KHANDOGIY, First Deputy Minister for Foreign
Affairs
No Gender References
United
Arab Emirates
H.E. His Highness Sheikh Adbullah Bin Zayed Al NAHYAN, Minister
of Foreign Affairs
In this context, I should make reference to the
significant advances that have been made by the women of the United
Arab Emirates, two of whom sit on the Council of Ministers while
women hold around a quarter of the seats in the Federal National
Council. They are also represented in the judiciary, with others
being found in senior leadership positions throughout the decision-making
process.
United
Kingdom
H.E. Mr. David MILIBAND, Secretary of State for Foreign and
Commonwealth Affairs
No Gender References
United
States
H.E. Mr. George BUSH, president
Americans are outraged by the situation in Burma,
where a military junta has imposed a 19-year reign of fear. Basic
freedoms of speech, assembly, and worship are severely restricted.
Ethnic minorities are persecuted. Forced child labor, human trafficking,
and rape are common.
In all our education efforts, our nation is working
to expand access for women and girls, so that the opportunity to
get a decent education is open to all.
Uruguay
H.E.Mr. Reinaldo GARGANO, Minister of Foreign Affairs
No Gender References
Uzbekistan
H.E. Mr. Vladimir NOROV, Minister of Foreign Affairs
No Gender References
Vanuatu
H.E. George Andre WELLS, Minister of Foreign Affairs
No Gender References
Venezuela
H.E. Mr. Nicolas Maduro MOROS, Minister of Foreign Affairs
No Gender References
Vietnam
H.E. Mr. Nguyen Tan DZUNG, Prime Minister
We hope that the United Nations will have more
resources for development cooperation, with priority given to the
implementation of program actions on poverty reduction, women’s
advancement, ?, population planning, and HIV/AIDS prevention.
Yemen
H.E Mr. Abubakr Al-Qirbi, Minister of Foreign Affairs
No Gender References
Zambia
H.E. Mr. Levy Patrick MWANAWASA, President
It was gratifying to have a lady preside over the
highest office of the United Nations General Assembly after almost
three decades of male dominance. I hope that this organ will not
again take this long to have another excellent female president.
Our world today presents a lot of challenges. These
include abject poverty […] and gender equality.
Zimbabwe
H.E. Mr. Robert MUGABE, President
No Gender References
| 
PeaceWomen 