The rapidly evolving Covid-19 pandemic is presenting the global community with unprecedented challenges; challenges that disregard frontiers and demand a unique international response and cross-border cooperation.
In the last days, major conferences have been postponed to save lives, and minimise impact. The 64th session of the Commission on the Status of Women, is one of the conferences which was scaled back. At the same time this wise decision was taken, António Guterres, Secretary-General of the UN, delivered a poignant speech acknowledging the need for equality between women and men to extend beyond important, yet stereotypical issues.
Mr. Guterres’ remarks illustrate how women in government positions drive social progress and bring meaningful change directly into people’s lives, in addition to highlighting how the participation of women in politics improves the overall success of institutions.
Now, more than ever, dialogue and exchange of experiences is key. WPL wishes to reaffirm its unwavering commitment to making the Women Political Leaders Summit at the UN a milestone achievement within a year of extraordinary significance. 2020 marks the 25th anniversary of the Beijing Conference on Women, hence it is paramount that we collectively redouble our efforts in support of women’s rights across the board.
Now, more than ever, it’s time to look toward a “Plan W” a plan that engages Women Political Leaders to create the kind of world envisioned by the SDGs. The Women Political Summit 2020 will provide the opportunity to outline such a plan.
Last month, the United Nations launched the Decade of Action campaign to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals – the blueprint for partnership with governments to build peaceful, prosperous and inclusive societies on a healthy planet. WPL is determined to make the Decade of Action a success by building strong communities between women politicians at the Women Political Leaders Summit 2020.
Be strong, let’s join our efforts to find united responses to unprecedented challenges.
– Silvana Koch-Mehrin, Founder & President of the Women Political Leaders
Please read the newsletter here: newsletter_march_2020
