Inaugural meeting with the Advisory Board on Gender Equality

Remarks by H.E. Mr. Abdulla Shahid, President of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly

New York,

October 28,  2021

Excellencies,

Distinguished delegates,

Thank you for joining me this morning.

My sincere appreciation to each of you for accepting to serve on the Advisory Board on Gender Equality for the 76^th Session.

The reconstituted Board, with its expanded member composition, will play a leading and crucial role in manifesting Gender Equality actions throughout this Presidency of Hope.

Excellencies, when I took oath for office, I did so, determined to contribute to gender equality.

I did this because I feel that the issue of gender inequality has lingered with us for far too long; it is an embarrassment and moral failure for which we can no longer make excuses. We simply must act.

I am working to do my part – however small that may be.

Entrenched in the five rays of hope is my intention to mainstream gender equality in all discussions, mandated events, and other high-level events.

I will count on the expertise and advice of the Board to ensure that we can achieve tangible outcomes with the little time that we have.

The attempt is to confront the challenges and identify opportunities on gender equality, while bringing hope for young women and girls.

We have many areas where we could work on, and I rely on your wise counsel.

At this stage, and as a first step, I hope to get advice and recommendations from the Board on how to better achieve the following commitments that I have made:

First, advancing and mainstreaming gender equality throughout this session and in all mandates assigned to my Office.

Second, on my commitment to ensure gender parity in all panels. 

And finally, but equally important, on exploring options to enhance the services of the ‘Family Room’ at the United Nations, as a possible day care service.

Excellencies, since taking office I have had the honor of engaging with dozens of women leaders, youth, and civil society groups, of all levels.

What I have heard is that there is an undeniable and compelling consensus on the need for greater participation of women and girls, and most importantly the need to change mindsets especially within the political arena.

I hear them loud and clear.

Dear colleagues, gender quality is no longer in need of an introduction but rather a conclusion.

It is my conviction that together we can write and act on that conclusion.

I once again thank you for this opportunity and I look forward to your views and recommendations on how we can deliver for gender equality.

I thank you.