Participation

Besides, the role of women in mediation must be appreciated and enhanced. Experience has shown that women can contribute a lot to efforts aimed at peaceful settlement of disputes, conflict prevention and resolution. It is, therefore, vital that women get increasingly involved in mediation efforts and processes

On the issue of Human Rights I am pleased to say Solomon Islands has submitted its national human rights report to the UN Human Rights Council. For a developing country, the right to development is the core of the country's policy. Putting people at the center of development, their meaningful participation and fair distribution of national wealth and benefits will bring peace to an angry man, feed a hungry child and empower our womenfolk.

Fourth, have we done enough to include women in conflict prevention and resolution - to make them agents of change, instead of bystanders? Have we done enough to protect them during conflict - protect them in particular from sexual violence? We have collectively sent strong signals in this regard. Liechtenstein particularly supports the Security Council's work on women, peace and security.

The United Nations; through the numerous conferences i t has organized, the international convent ions and agreements i t has concluded, in addition to resolutions and statements it has adopted; was able to unite our visions, guide our endeavours, and mobilize our resources and our potential to consolidate our joint work to combat corruption, strengthen the rule of law and good governance, respect human rights as well as empowering women and b

We must ensure that the democratic changes underway are consolidated. And that the promise of profound improvements in human rights in the countries concerned, in particular in relation to the role of women, is fully realised

Developing countries need investment, technology and market access for their products. They need assistance in the areas of education, health, women's empowerment and agriculture.

Promoting and strengthening human rights and gender equality is a common responsibility. Failing to adhere fully to universally agreed principles in this area is simply not acceptable. Investment in and empowerment of girls and women so that they can participate fully in the political and economic lives of states is also essential for economic growth and prosperity.

In the midst of this massive national project, we have been strengthening what we seeking to be the features of our State: from the preservation of security for the citizen and public order; to the promotion of judicial authority and rule of law; to strengthening the role of women via legislation, laws and participation; to ensuring the protection of public freedoms and strengthening the role of civil society institutions

We note the recently adopted San Francisco Declaration by APEC countries last week under the leadership of the United States of America. This is a major step forward supporting Women in Business and is a powerful tool for women of APEC member countries. We will encourage our women in Papua New Guinea to take advantage of opportunities created by the Declaration.

We also appreciate the push by multilateral partners like Asian Development Bank and World Bank on gender equality. But in the same breath, we urge them to support our financial institutions by specifically allocating funds without risk, to be lent to women entrepreneurs to develop business opportunities