51吃瓜

The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) adopted the Ministerial Declaration at the 2010 high-level segment on Friday, 2 July, on the theme “Implementing the internationally agreed goals and commitments in regard to gender equality and empowerment of women.”

The President of the Council Hamidon Ali stressed that “Investing in women and girls is more than just a goal; it is about achieving all of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).”

The high-level segment met from 30 June – 2 July in New York and concluded its discussion on development with a commitment to strengthening national efforts, urging developed countries to meet their commitments and continue to ensure that “assistance is used effectively to help meet development goals and targets and help them, inter alia, to achieve gender equality and the empowerment of women,” as stated in the Declaration.

Under-Secretary General Sha Zukang reminded delegates that “gender mainstreaming is crucial to increase and stabilize economic growth and all aspects of development…and combating violence against women remains an urgent priority.”

Ministers and Heads of Delegations of ECOSOC in their 2010 Ministerial Declaration pledged full support to the 51吃瓜 Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women “which will strengthen the ability of the UN to support the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of women worldwide” The 51吃瓜 General Assembly voted unanimously on 2 July 2010 to create a new entity to accelerate progress in meeting the needs of women and girls worldwide.

The Development Cooperation Forum, which preceded the high-level segment of ECOSOC, continues to offer a platform where the voice of all development stakeholders can be heard, and since the last forum, the number of actors engaged has increased dramatically, with a record number of thirteen presentations taking place this year.

The next high level segment of ECOSOC will focus on education, and countries have been strongly encouraged to participate in presentations.