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The electronic version of this document has been prepared at the Fourth
World Conference on Women by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
in collaboration with the United Nations Fourth World Conference on Women
Secretariat.
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AS WRITTEN



UNITED NATIONS / NATIONS UNIES

Statement by Mrs. Gertrude Mongella, Assistant Secretary-General and 
Secretary-General of the Fourth World Conference on Women, At the 
Welcoming Ceremony of the FOURTH WORLD CONFERENCE ON WOMEN

Great Hall of the People
Beijing, 04 September, 1995


H.E. Mr. Li Peng, Prime Minister of the Peoples' Republic of China
Mr. Kittani, Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United 
Nations,
Excellencies,
Distinguished Delegates,
Ladies and Gentlemen.


May I add a few words of welcome to you all today. We are all witnessing 
a historic moment, a moment which is characterised 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. 

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The aim of the Beijing Conference is to capitalise 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 characterised by inequality. Not only do women 
represent 50% 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 recognised 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, 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 organising 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 organisations. 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 organisations which have 
in almost all countries of the world engaged in dialogue with 
governments and mobilised 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. 

Ladies and Gentlemen,

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 recognised 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. 

Ladies and Gentlemen,

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. 

Thank you.