Members will recall that I made it clear from the beginning that, as Special ...

Members will recall that I made it clear from the beginning that, as Special Envoy, I intended to implement a top-down and bottom-up comprehensive approach, whereby I will be working, on the one hand, with political leaders and, on the other, with the people of the region to encourage peace, security and development. It was important to listen to the Great Lakes women's perspectives on the peace process, as women represent the majority of the population of the region and are, together with children, the first victims of the ongoing conflict. I gave them the opportunity to suggest possible benchmarks and indicators, which were later submitted to the technical support committee for consideration.