Excellencies, Foreign Ministers, Colleagues, Friends,

I send my warmest greetings to this meeting of women Foreign Ministers, and I thank Minister Batmunkh for her initiative – just a few days after the second International Day of Women in Diplomacy.

I apologize that I cannot join you in person. I know we would have a lot to discuss, from global politics and economics to diversity and inclusion, and our own personal journeys into international diplomacy.

Here at the United Nations, we are now preparing for the SDG Summit, which will be the centrepiece of the high-level week in September. There is enormous concern that the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals are slipping out of reach, especially for women.

Economic challenges that began during the COVID-19 pandemic have been exacerbated by the global impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Developing countries are hardest hit, and many are struggling under a mountain of debt.

Our recent report showed that halfway to the deadline, just 12 per cent of SDG targets are on track.

Some, including the foundational Goals on poverty and hunger, have gone into reverse.

And gender equality under the law is still nearly 300 years away – even though we know women’s full participation and leadership benefit everyone.  

Colleagues, you are the solution.

There is no one size fits all formula for sustainable development. To succeed regional and country differences must be weighed in to assess challenges, but also opportunities. Challenges that take the shape of transitioning to greener economies and Asia or more equal societies in Latin America. The opportunity of free trade in Africa on the back of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement or the possibilities for growth, inclusivity and prosperity that critical minerals represent for countries in Africa and Latin America.

It is through you that we will be able to better calibrate the solutions that better fit the needs of your regions and countries.

We see time and time again that when women are in charge, they are catalysts for change.

Gender parity in government results in policies that are fairer and more equitable. 

Diverse voices at the peace table improve the chances for lasting peace.

Higher numbers of women in the workforce contribute to faster economic growth.

Investing in women is investing in the future of a nation.

I applaud many of you at this meeting for developing and implementing feminist foreign policies, to pursue gender equality at home and abroad – and I hope others will follow your example.

I urge all of you gathered in Ulaanbaatar to do everything possible to break down barriers to women’s leadership and inclusion, everywhere.

And I wish you a wonderful and successful meeting.

Thank you.