Head of UN economic and social forum says women's rights will be enhanced by new sustainability goals

Addressing today a high-level gathering at United Nations Headquarters, the President of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) declared that the empowerment of women and the full realization of their human rights are essential for achieving sustainable development and for building peaceful, just and inclusive societies.

“Women and girls should be able to benefit from all policies for sustainable development,” said Oh Joon, in remarks to the 2015 Empowering Women and Sustainable Development Summit, which opened today.

The ECOSOC President stressed that enhancing women's rights will be included in the 17 Goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Even though the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) were adopted 15 years ago, there are still challenges remaining. Mr. Oh said, and “a comprehensive and transformative approach is urgently needed to address the structural barriers to gender equality.”

Mr. Oh said those ambitious goals “must be matched with an equally ambitious level of commitment and investment.” He appealed all nations should ensure “a gender perspective is systematically incorporated into all national planning, budgeting and implementation.”

Emphasizing that women must be able to influence decisions on economic, social, and environmental issues, he said “women need to develop their full potential, and fully participate in decisions affecting their families, communities and countries.”

Accorng to Mr. Oh's address, “gender equality, the empowerment of women, and the full realization of their human rights are essential for the achievement of sustainable development and for building peaceful, just and inclusive societies.”

ECOSOC will work through its substantive bodies, including the UN Commission of the Status of Women, to lead the efforts to build an inclusive and engaging global partnership bringing together all relevant stakeholders.

Mr. Oh ended his speech with strongly confidence of creating action-led solutions and turning the ambitions of the 2030 Agenda into reality.

Supported by the UN Development Programme in China (UNDP) and the UN Sustainable Development Goals Fund (SDG Fund), the Sino-American Friendship Association (SAFA), in partnership with the China Women Development Foundation (CWDF), hosted today's opening ceremony, luncheon and summit, and will also be hosting an award ceremony and symposium on 26 September at the Harvard Club NYC.