UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. World Women’s Forum in Mongolia: UN Deputy Chief Calls for Gender Equality Women
UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed called for increased efforts to advance women’s empowerment, gender equality and combat climate change. She made this statement while speaking at the Global Women’s Forum.
Towards a Green Future
The forum, held on 22-23 August under the theme “Towards a Green Future”, was dedicated to promoting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in particular those that include measures to combat gender equality.
Amina Mohammed stressed the urgent need to accelerate progress towards the SDGs, with less than six years left until the deadline. “Time is not on our side,” she added. Mohammed stressed the importance of women’s participation, including in leadership roles, to achieving the goals.
“While we recognize the importance of these challenges and welcome the progress made, we must also acknowledge that we are far from the finish line,” the speaker said. “At this rate, the burden will be passed on to future generations.”
Women and Nature
Mohammed particularly highlighted the role of women in the fight against climate change. She noted that the activities of many women on the planet are inextricably linked to natural resources, since it is the land that feeds people. In this context, the UN Deputy Chief of State called for support for environmental activists, agricultural workers and other women employed in natural resource sectors.
“A global commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment in all areas of environmental protection must be at the centre of multilateral cooperation,” she said, also recalling the need to combat gender-based violence and ensure girls’ right to education.
“The rights of women and girls must be protected,” the rapporteur said. “We must shape a world in which they are free and can live without fear.”