WOM/BEI/10 4 September 1995 STATEMENT BY SECRETARY-GENERAL OF WORLD CONFERENCE ON WOMEN AT WELCOMING CEREMONY IN CHINA'S GREAT HALL OF THE PEOPLE Following is the text of the statement by the Secretary-General of the Fourth World Conference on Women, Gertrude Mongella, at the welcoming ceremony organized by the Government of the People's Republic of China in the Great Hall of the People: We are all witnessing a historic moment, a moment which is characterized by unprecedented solidarity. This solidarity is reflected in one principle, which is not to be compromised. This is the principle of equality between human beings: equality between men and women. The aim of the Beijing Conference is to capitalize on the strength and resourcefulness of women, to share it and act upon it. This historic conference is not about business as usual. It is about changing the status quo, which is characterized by inequality. Not only do women represent 50 per cent of the world's population, they also contribute substantially to the world's richness. It is not by chance that the time has come for women to receive their rightful place in all societies and be recognized once and for all, that they are no more guests on this planet. This planet belongs to them too. Change towards the betterment of women is not only inevitable, it is right and essential if we are to move the world towards a better life for all individuals --- men, women and children in all nations. We must apply concrete solutions to the obstacles and constraints that women continue to experience in the political, (more) - 2 - Press Release WOM/BEI/10 4 September 1995 economic, social and cultural spheres. Our meeting in China, a vast and ancient land, and the most populous nation of the world, presents us with a formidable challenge for change. Allow me to take this opportunity to express my words of gratitude to the Chinese authorities for hosting this extraordinary encounter for the exchange of ideas and most importantly, for facilitating commitment for action. My personal thanks go to the Government and all the people of China for their partnership in organizing this memorable Conference. The preparatory process for the Beijing Conference has been as inclusive as possible, embracing governments, the United Nations system, national committees and non- governmental organizations. In this aspect, as in so many other aspects, today's event is the culmination of a process which can be regarded as a success story for the United Nations as a family, which has worked tirelessly with all nations to bring to the top of the social agenda, the advancement and well-being of women. May I thank, therefore, first and foremost, member countries whose presence today is a testimony to their commitment for action and for change. Their presence is a demonstration of their conviction that this conference is not a conference of women but on women as a societal issue. My special thanks go to non-governmental organizations which have in almost all countries of the world engaged in dialogue with governments and mobilized public opinion, contributing in no small measure to shape the Platform for Action. They gave a voice to countless women who would otherwise not have been heard. I cannot conclude by not thanking Dr. Boutros Boutros-Ghali on behalf of all of us, but myself in particular. Dr. Boutros Boutros-Ghali is with us in thought and spirit. He, from the very start of his mandate, has called for major changes in the management culture of the United Nations system with an eye towards gender balance. He has recognized the powerful and essential role women play in solving the world's most serious problems. It is his commitment and his support that has enabled me, as Secretary-General of the Conference, to launch a process of consensus-building that started in grassroots and now has culminated in our gathering in Beijing today. The mission of Beijing is not further analysis, but it is on meaningful action for which all of us here will be held accountable. May I conclude by saying that a revolution has begun. There is no going back. There will be no unravelling of commitments. Neither today's nor last year's and certainly, not this decade's commitments. This revolution is too just, too important, and certainly long overdue. * *** *