Director-General's remarks at the “Peace Begins With Her” panel discussion for International Women’s Day

“Peace Begins With Her” panel discussion for International Women’s Day

Friday, 8 March 2024, at 6.30 p.m.
University of Geneva

Delivered on behalf of the Director-General 

by Ms. Alessandra Vellucci, Director, United Nations Information Service at Geneva

Monsieur le Secrétaire D’État,

Madame la Vice-Présidente de la République et Canton de Genève,

Monsieur le Recteur,

Mesdames et Messieurs / Ladies and Gentlemen, 

I am pleased to join you today to celebrate International Women’s Day and to deliver the message of Ms. Tatiana Valovaya, Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva, who could not join us today. 

On behalf of the Director-General, I would like to sincerely thank the Government of Switzerland, the State of Geneva,  the University of Geneva, my UN colleagues and the Elsie Initiative Fund for organizing today’s events, as well as for all of their ongoing work on women’s empowerment.

In 1977, the United Nations recognized 8 March as International Women's Day. Since then, women and girls have achieved considerable progress. Together, we have overcome obstacles and advanced towards a more equitable world. 

Twenty-three years later, in October 2000, the United Nations Security Council adopted the ground-breaking  resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security. This resolution affirmed for the first time in history the importance of women's participation, especially at the decision-making level, in conflict resolution, peace negotiations and post-conflict reconstruction.

It is well-known that lasting peace can only be achieved through the meaningful participation of all stakeholders in negotiating and implementing peace agreements. Research shows that women's participation, specifically, in mediation dramatically increases the likelihood of a long-term peace agreement. Multilateral and inclusive partnerships, with women fully involved, are key to creating conducive conditions for sustainable peace and development. 

The women highlighted in today’s photography exhibition as well as those participating in today’s panel discussion are examples of the invaluable impact women have on peace, diplomacy and security around the world. I look forward to hearing about your experiences and insights over the course of this evening’s discussion.

For the United Nations, women have become increasingly part of our peacekeeping family, making operations more effective and impactful. Women peacekeepers have proven that they can perform the same roles, to the same standards and under the same difficult conditions, as their male counterparts. Women peacekeepers serve as powerful mentors and role models for women and girls in post-conflict settings in the host community, setting examples for them to advocate for their own rights and pursue non‐traditional careers. In 1993, women made up only 1% of deployed uniformed personnel. In 2023, women constituted 6.5% of military contingents in UN peacekeeping missions. 

Progress has indeed been made, but much more remains to be done. In the words of United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres in his message for this year’s International Women’s Day, “Our world still reflects millennia of male-dominated power relations… Women’s rights are a proven path to fair, peaceful, prosperous societies. It is good for us all.” At the United Nations, we are resolute in continuing to improve women’s inclusion and empowerment, both within peacekeeping and in all areas of our work.  

Ladies and gentlemen,

The world is facing many crises. These challenges can only be addressed by solutions that empower women. Gender equality is not only a fundamental human right, but a necessary foundation for a better world. The imperative set forth by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is clear, and investing in women’s empowerment and championing gender equality can only accelerate the progress we make towards a more peaceful future. On International Women’s Day, let us redouble our efforts to achieve gender equality everywhere, once and for all.

Thank you.