Let me start by thanking UN Women for its efforts and commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment, as fundamental to its mandate.
Agenda 2030 places empowerment of girls and women high on the agenda. As covid-19 now disproportionately affects women and girls, existing inequalities are amplified. Only if we step up our efforts for women and girls, will we be able to reach our goals.
We thank UN Women for being such a valuable partner in this effort. We thank UN Women for your response to the pandemic itself, and for making the “Impact of Covid-19 on Women” known.
Having UN Women in the governing body of the UN multi-donor fund for Covid-19 response and recovery, is essential for promoting dedicated, targeted interventions and for gender mainstreamed programming.
UN Women’s annual report also shows us that the steps they are taking to become a more focused, effective and results-oriented organisation are bearing fruit. The increasing emphasis on working with others and developing new and innovative approaches is encouraging.
We see the efforts are paying off. In 2020, UN Women achieved it highest revenue ever.
Norway welcomes the direction in the new strategic plan. We support the strong human rights-based approach to Leaving No one Behind. We commend as well the strengthened focus on implementing UN-Women's coordination mandate and development of integrated joint programmes in broad strategic partnerships
Let me reiterate our support for the next phase of UN Women’s work towards gender equality and empowerment of women and girls, in all their diversity. We look forward to the new Strategic Plan.
The Generation Equality Forum is a unique effort to bring all actors together and commit to real change on the ground. We commend UNWomen for this initiative.
To Executive Director Phumzile. We thank you for your exemplary leadership and tireless efforts in our never-ending fight for women and girls. You will be missed. We wish you the best of luck in your new endeavor.
Norway remains committed to the cause and UN Women's role. We also encourage others to step up their support.