ANNUAL MEETING OF THE UNGA PLATFORM OF WOMEN LEADERS
GENERAL DEBATE OF THE 79th SESSION OF THE UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Tuesday, 24 September 2024
1.15 p.m.-2.30 p.m., Trusteeship Council Chamber, United Nations Headquarters, New York
Women’s inclusion in decision-making processes is fundamental to achieving peace, prosperity, progress and sustainability for all. Yet, women are underrepresented at all levels of decision-making even though they represent half of humanity. Removing systemic barriers that limit women’s full and equal participation and ensuring women’s leadership can unlock the transformational changes needed to achieve sustainable
development and dignity for everyone.
The Office of the President of the General Assembly and UN-Women are honored to host the third Annual Meeting of the UNGA Platform of Women Leaders in September 2024.
The meeting will take place at the Trusteeship Council Chamber of the United Nations Headquarters in New York on Tuesday, 24 September 2024 from 1.15 p.m. to 2.30 p.m.
The meeting of women Heads of State and Government is convened during the High-Level week of the UN General Assembly each September to discuss priority issues on the international community’s agenda and to identify solutions to today’s complex and interlinked challenges.
The meeting benefits from the presence of women world leaders in New York and amplifies their voices during the high-level week.
The annual meeting helps strengthen partnerships between the President of the General Assembly, UN Women, and the global network of women Heads of State and Government.
Theme
The theme of this year’s meeting is “Women’s equal participation in decision making: Ensuring peace, socio-economic opportunities, sustainable development and human dignity for present and future generations”
Participation
Current and former women Heads of State and Heads of Government. Each principal will be accompanied by a maximum of one delegate (1+1). The invitation is non-transferable.
Format
This will be an in-person meeting. The meeting will be opened by the co-organizers followed by an interactive roundtable discussion led by a moderator.
Program
1:15 pm Official group photo
1:22 pm Introduction of H.E. Mr. Philemon Yang, President of the 79th session of the General Assembly and Ms. Sima Bahous, Executive Director of UN Women by H.E. Ms. Helen Clark, Former Prime Minister of New Zealand
1:23 pm Opening remarks by H.E. Mr. Philemon Yang, President of the 79th session of the General Assembly
1:28 pm Opening remarks by Ms. Sima Sami Bahous, Executive Director of UN Women
1:33 pm Introduction of interactive segment moderated by H.E. Ms. Helen Clark, Former Prime Minister of New Zealand
1.38 pm Presentation of CEDAW General Recommendation No. 40 (2024) on the equal and inclusive representation of women in decision-making systems by Nicole Ameline, Member, United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) and Chair of the CEDAW Working Group on general recommendation No. 40.
1.43 pm Leaders’ interventions
2.16 pm Former Leaders’ interventions
2:24 pm Wrap up by the moderator
Key Documents
