"The Courage to Lead: A Human Rights Summit for Women Leaders"

Madam Secretary of State
Mr. Griffiths
Ms. Black
Distinguished Honourees
Excellencies
Ladies and Gentlemen:

It is indeed a pleasure to be with you as we mark Human Rights Day and the closing of the first “Courage to Lead” Summit, which certainly could not have taken place if not for the energy and enthusiasm of Ms. Allida Black.

This Summit could not have been more timely. We have just marked the 30th anniversary of the landmark Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women, which is one of the most successful human rights treaties ever. Next year, we will take stock of achievements 15 years after the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing, and we will celebrate the 10th anniversary of historic Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security – the first-ever Resolution passed by the Council that specifically addresses the impact of war on women, and women’s contributions to conflict resolution and sustainable peace. It is indeed a particular pleasure to have with us this evening, via videolink, Secretary of State Hilary Clinton who chaired the Security Council’s latest discussions on the implementation of the Resolution.

Through the “UNiTE to End Violence against Women” campaign, the Secretary-General is taking the lead in the international fight to end violence against women. And the United Nations is seeking to strengthen its work for women across the world through a new, single gender equality entity.

As we are here at the Palais des Nations, which has played such an important role in the international community’s work to promote and protect human rights, we are also reminded that none of this would have been possible without the remarkable foresight and unsurpassed dedication of Eleanor Roosevelt, encapsulated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Today, we also honour her memory.

With the Declaration as our inspiration and our framework, we have indeed made important progress in empowering women across the world. But, we must also acknowledge that considerable challenges remain. And to overcome them, we need to build on the courage of women to lead.

Working towards the end of discrimination against women and girls is a moral obligation of any society. Enabling women to fulfil their potential and contribute to our common good is one of the United Nations’ core objectives. Gender empowerment is not only a goal in its own right, but it is also key to achieving our broader security and development aims.

Dear Friends:

This evening is all about our honourees. The women honoured here this evening not only have the courage to lead – they lead by the power of example. They have stood up for the needs of women across the world who do not have the power to stand up for themselves, and they have done so with clarity of vision and tremendous determination. Their commitment to championing human rights has inspired women and men across the world. I join you in congratulating them.

On this Human Rights Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to the empowerment of women.

Thank you very much.