30 August 1995
	FWCW / 4


Fourth World Conference on Women	Press Release
Beijing

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


	
	SECRETARY-GENERAL OF FOURTH WORLD CONFERENCE ON WOMEN
	WELCOMES NGOS AS FORUM OPENS IN BEIJING 


	Gertrude Mongella Hails NGO Role In Struggle for Women's
	Equality At Opening Ceremony of the NGO Forum on Women


	BEIJING, 30 August, 1995 (U.N.) -- Herewith is the text of 
a statement made today by Gertrude Mongella, Secretary-General 
of the Fourth World Conference on Women, at the opening ceremony 
in Beijing of the NGO Forum on Women, Beijing '95. 

	 My dear sisters and brothers. No words can express my joy 
today as I join the people --and particularly the women-- of 
China and the NGO Facilitating Committee under the leadership of 
Madame Huang and Madame Supatra respectively, in welcoming you 
here in your thousands to this historic event.

     As I look out into this arena, I personally want to 
acknowledge each one of you who made the long journey by train, 
by plane and those who walked to Beijing- never losing heart, 
holding the dream for equality, development and peace.

     This is a long-awaited day--a milestone in the continuing 
struggle for women's liberation, empowerment, dignity and 
equality; a moment to affirm that the power, the rights and 
contributions of women can no longer be denied. We all know we 
could not have arrived at this historic moment without the 
contribution, commitment and sacrifice of non-governmental 
organizations.

     I am here today to pay tribute to the non-governmental 
organization movement, which has helped to define the critical 
issues to be addressed by the Fourth World Conference on Women. 
I am here to recognize the contribution which non-governmental 
organizations have made to the transformation of women's lives, 
both public and private, and I am here to honour the power of 
non-governmental organizations to reach all people with their 
energy, dedication and perseverance.

     During the preparations for this conference I was 
privileged to meet many of you who are here today. We have 
worked together and I have enjoyed your support. And now as we 
prepare for the two weeks ahead, the role of non-governmental 
organizations for the success of the Fourth World Conference on 
Women becomes even more vital.
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	FWCW / 4



     My expectation for the NGOs here in Beijing is that they 
work cooperatively with government delegations to produce a 
document that defines commitments, actions and accountability of 
all men and women, governments, non-governmental organizations, 
and the private sector.

     At the end of the day, the cooperation will move us closer 
to attaining our goals of equality, development and peace.

     Millions have placed their trust in us. We must not fail 
them.

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