At the beginning of this Session, we witnessed history of another kind unfold...

At the beginning of this Session, we witnessed history of another kind unfolding in this Hall. For the first time, a female president stood at this podium to open the General Debate. I join other world leaders in congratulating Her Excellency Ms. Dilma Rousseff of Brazil for her many achievements. The challenge for this Body is to continue to encourage women from all nations to participate on all levels of the political decision-making processes on an equal basis. After all, women are equal partners in families.