Without Full Empowerment, Women Will Be Vulnerable To Each New Global Challenge, Deputy Secretary-General Tells 'Stabilizing An Insecure World' Conference.

M2 PRESSWIRE-7 March 2008-United Nations: Without Full Empowerment, Women Will Be Vulnerable To Each New Global Challenge, Deputy Secretary-General Tells 'Stabilizing An Insecure World' Conference(C)1994-2008 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

RDATE:06032008

Following is the text of UN Deputy Secretary-General Asha-Rose Migiro's remarks to the conference "Women: Stabilizing an Insecure World", in Brussels today, 6 March:

I am both honoured and excited to be here. Let me applaud this initiative to bring together women leaders from all corners of the globe to grapple with some of the most complex and profound challenges of our time.

I cannot think of a better way to lead up to International Women's Day than the broad range of topics on the agenda of our sessions -- from health and poverty to Security Council resolution 1325 (2000) on women, peace and security.

In many parts of the world, achieving sustainable peace and security remains a daunting challenge. At this first session, we recognize that women are often disproportionately affected by the global threats of our time. We are asked to consider what new strategies are required in the face of challenges ranging from climate change and human trafficking to religious extremism and terrorism.

First, let me say that these challenges meet the very definition of global threats. They respect no national borders. They are issues that no nation -- however powerful -- can take on alone. The experience of our globalizing age has shown us that beyond any doubt. It has taught us that, to tackle global challenges, we need to work together, including through the United Nations -- the only institution with universal membership. The United Nations, however, needs to work hand in hand with civil society, the private sector and individuals around the world -- as well as the women leaders that are here around the table.