Thank you Madam President for giving me the floor and thank you WFP for this comprehensive presentation. Norway welcomes this opportunity to comment on this very important topic.
We know that women are disproportionately negatively affected by food security and crisis in comparation to men. In a world where food security has become more widespread and severe and conflicts have grown in number, it is essential that gender is systematically integrated and addressed in WFP’s work.
We welcome strong emphasis on gender equality, empowerment of women and girls as well as on marginalized groups, including persons with disabilities in all policy updates.
Lessons learnt from the previous gender strategy stressed the importance of sufficient human and financial resource investment. To what extent has WFP been able to follow up on this commitment?
As affirmed in the strategic plan for 2022–2025, gender equality and women’s empowerment are cross-cutting priorities across all aspects of WFP’s work. It is important - crucial - that this continues to be a priority in also in the new strategic plan.
Thank you.