(1st meeting) UN-Women Executive Board, First Regular Session 2026
Economic and Social Council
Date: 18 February 2026
Language: English
Transcript: https://transcripts.un.org/en/asset/k1q/k1qk9tg1iq
Transcripts available through this tool are created by using automatic speech recognition and are not official records nor official documents of the United Nations. Official records and official documents are available on the Official Document System of the United Nations.

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Uganda · President · Godfrey Kawaba [19:25]:

Good morning, Excellencies, distinguished delegates. It is my pleasure to Declare open the first regular session 2026 of the UN Women Executive Board. Please allow me to acknowledge and welcome among us Madam Sima Bahus, Under Secretary General and Executive Director of UN Women. I also welcome for on the podium the following UN Women colleagues. Nyara Dizai, Gumbo Zivanda, Assistant Secretary General and Deputy Executive Director for Normative Support, UN System Coordination and Program Results Kisi Madi, Assistant Secretary General and Deputy Executive Director for Resource Management, Sustainability and Partnerships Anna Karen Jatfors, Director of the Strategy, Planning, Results and Effectiveness Division.

Shoko Ishikawa, Deputy Director, Policy Program and Intergovernmental Division and Jalok, of course, the Secretary of the Executive Board.

The Executive Board will start with Agenda Item 1, Organizational Matters on adoption of the annotated provision agenda and work plan for the current session and the annual work plan for 2026, as well as the report on the 2025 second regular session for the adoption of the noted provision agenda and work plan for the current session. I'll invite the Secretary of the board, Mr. Monsieur Jalok Boris, to outline the agenda of the session. Mr. Secretary, you have the floor.


UN Women · Secretary · Jalok Boris [21:48]:

Thank you very much, Mr. President, and we are very happy to have you back in New York. Welcome back.

Good morning, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, a very good morning to all of you. So, following the adoption, as the President said, of the provisional agenda and work plan for this session, as well as the adoption of the annual work plan of the executive board for 2026 and the adoption of the report of the 2025 second regular session, this session will continue with official opening statements by the President of the Executive Board and our Executive Director. We will then open the floor for Member States intervention managed by the Speakers list this morning, which was earlier circulated to you, the time limit is three minutes for individual delegation statement and five minutes for speakers on behalf of groups. The mics will be unfortunately closed according to this time limit, including for UN Women staff. In order to keep time management at the optimum for this session at 1pm Lunchtime is reserved for informal consultation on the draft decisions in Conference room C. We will resume at 3pm with agenda item two on engagement with the Unity Initiative, and we will have the delight to receive.

The Deputy Secretary General will be with us from 3pm this afternoon and a dialogue will follow, managed also by a speaker's list that we also circulated after the conclusion of this Item we will turn then to Agenda item three on Audit matters where the Executive Board will be briefed on the UN Women Financial Report and audited financial statements and report of the Board of Auditors as well as be provided with an update on the revised financial regulations and rules. Next the Board will turn to Agenda Item 4 on the GRU Review of Governance and oversight of the Executive Board of undp, unfpa, UN ops, UNICEF and UN Women and receive an update on the progress made on the GRU review. The plenary meeting will be adjourned at 6pm and we will go directly to informal negotiations on draft decisions that will happen this afternoon, this evening at UN Women Headquarters, not in the Secretariat, but please move to the Headquarters of UN Women which is not far. On the second day of the second of the session, the Executive Board will resume its plenary session at 10am with agenda item 5 on organizational culture whereby the Board will hear an update on organizational culture by the Executive Director. Afterward, the Board will hear an address by the undp, unfpa, UNOPS and UN Women Staff Council and a presentation on the Annual report of the Office of the Ombuds Person for the United Nations Funding Programs.

Next the Board will turn to Agenda Item 6 and hear an update on UN Women's efforts to address racism and racial discrimination. The Board will then turn to agenda item 7 on risk management and receive an update on risk management and principal risk facing UN women. At 1pm the board will adjourn the morning session and reserve the following couple of hours for informal consultation on draft decision in Conference Room C. The Executive Board will then reconvene at 3 and turn to agenda item 8 with the executive Board. We receive a presentation presentation on the follow up on the recommendation and decision on the UNAIDS Program Coordinating Board meeting. After conclusion of this item, the Board will turn to Agenda Item 9 on the Joint field visit and be presented with the report on the joint field visit to Egypt which took place to Egypt of the executive board of UNDP, UNFPA, UNOPS, UNICEF, UN Women and the RFP and this field visit happened between the 26th and 30th October 2025.

Before the end of the day, the Executive Board will turn to agenda item 10 other matters to take action on the draft decision as needed. We will then return to Agenda item one, Organizational Matters whereby the provisional agenda and work plan of the annual session 2026 will be discussed and approved. The first session will conclude with closing remarks by the Executive Director and the President of the Executive board before concluding. Mr. President, I want to remind you delegation that we are tweeting or xing about the Executive Board activities so that all can follow up in real time where we are on the agenda. Please follow us and you can see on the screen you have a QR code to follow us as needed.

Thank you very much, Mr. President.


Uganda · President · Godfrey Kawaba [27:16]:

Thank you, Mr. Secretary. May I take it that the Executive Board now wishes to adopt the annotated provision agenda and the work plan for the first regular session 2026?

I see no objections. So decided.

Thank you. The agenda and work plan as adopted will guide us for the rest of this session. Next, let's turn to the annual work plan for the UN Women Executive Board for 2026 as contained in document UNW STRUG 2026L2. Mr. Secretary, you have the floor.


UN Women · Secretary · Jalok Boris [28:06]:

Thank you very much, Mr. President.

I'll be brief on that one. I just want to remind all the distinguished members and observers of the board that as best practice over the year, the annual work plan captures only and mostly the official reports to be presented to the executive board throughout 2026. But that doesn't preempt any addition of other agenda item provided that the the Executive Board has approved to add them. Thank you, Mr. President.


Uganda · President · Godfrey Kawaba [28:37]:

Thank you, Mr. Secretary. May I take it that the Executive Board now wishes to adopt the UN work plan for the UN Women Executive Board for 2026?

I see no objections. It is so decided. Let us now turn to the adoption of the report of the second regular session, 2025. May I take it that the Executive Board wishes to adopt the report of the previous session?

I see no objections. It is so decided then. It is now my pleasure to turn to the official opening of the session.

Madam Executive Director, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, colleagues, please allow me to welcome you all to the first regular session of the UN Women Executive Board. Uganda is honored to serve this year as President of the Executive Board and very pleased to be working alongside distinguished colleagues. Vice President, Ambassador and Permanent representative of Albania, H.E. suela Janina. Ambassador and permanent representative of Belgium, H.E.

sophie Do Smed. And ambassador and permanent representative of Kriegiston, H.E. ida Kash Me Liva. The Bureau is committed to strengthen the effectiveness of the Board's oversight function for improved governance and we will count on the support and cooperation of all. I'm committed to building on the hard work undertaken by the previous presidents and bureaus to take the work of the UN Women Executive Board to the next level.

Women and girls, men and boys, are depending on us to deliver on the expectations that the Board and our respective regions have upon us. I count on the support of all of you. Excellencies, distinguished colleagues, as you have heard, this first regular session is an important one since, as you know, we have before us several critical reports and briefings, such as an update on engagements with UN80 initiative, as well as updates on organizational culture, on anti racism and racial discrimination, and on the risk management. We will also receive an update on the GIU Review of governance and oversight of the executive boards of UNDP, UNFPA, UNOPS, UNICEF and the UN Women. And here, a presentation on the 2024 annual report of the Office of the Ombudisman for United Nations Funds and Programs, as well as an address by the UNDP, UNLPaunops and UN Women Staff Council.

Distinguished colleagues, the oversight and policy guidance of the Executive Board would not be complete without actionable outcomes to our official Executive Board meetings. This session we have before us seven draft decisions, namely Draft Decision 20261 on the financial report and audited financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024 and report of the Board of Auditors. Second bullet draft decision 20262 on the JIU review of governance and oversight of the executive boards of UNDP, UNFPA, UNOPS, UNICEF and UN Women.

The third bullet, draft decision 20263 on organizational culture. Then we have the draft decision 20264 on risk management. Furthermore, draft decision 20265 update on UN Women's efforts to address racism and racial discrimination. Next we shall have draft decision 20266 on engagement with UN 80 initiative and last but not least, draft decision 20267 on the revised financial regulations and rules for UN Women. I would like to thank Albania, Belgium, Kyrgyzstan, Sweden, and ourselves, of course Uganda for the facilitation of these decisions and the Secretariat for supporting the negotiations.

I encourage delegations to show flexibility and understanding during these negotiations so that we can reach consensus on these decisions. I'm counting on the body's continued support in enabling us to maximize the time allocated to ask for negotiations and to look forward to a successful outcome. I thank you all. Without further ado, I'm now happy to pass the floor to the Executive Director for the opening statement. Madam Executive Director, the floor is yours.


UN Women · USG Executive Director · Sima Bahous [35:02]:

Thank you, Mr. President. Good morning, distinguished delegates, special guests, dear colleagues, welcome to this first regular session of UN Women Executive Board 2026. Allow me to wish a very happy Lunar New Year, Year of the Horse, to our colleagues, celebrating a reflective Lent season and a blessed and peaceful holy first Day of Ramadan to all those observing, I congratulate our new President of the Executive board, His Excellency, Dr. Adonia Ebar, on his election. And I thank His Excellency Ambassador Godfrey Kawaba, the Deputy Permanent Representative, for presiding over the Board during this session. Excellency, I thank you and the Government of Uganda for your unwavering commitment to the entity and to our mandate.

We are without doubt in the best of hands. My congratulations also to the other newly elected members of the Bureau. Vice President, Her Excellency, Mrs. Suwayla Janina, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Albania. Vice President, Her Excellency, Mrs. Sophie Schmitz, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Belgium and Vice President, Her Excellency, Ms. Ida Kazimilieva, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Kyrgyzstan. I thank you in advance for all you will do.

The Board meetings, the informal briefings that you will share, and the crucial support that your delegations will provide in decision making and in reaching consensus. As we have always done in this august Board, allow me also to extend my fullest appreciation To Her Excellency, Ms. Nicola Klaas, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Sweden, who so ably led us last year. Thank you from all of us, Madam Ambassador. And thank you to all our 2025 Vice Presidents of the Bureau, the representatives of Antigua and Barbuda, Albania, Japan and Uganda. And I extend the warmest of welcomes to our very special guest at this session, Her Highness Sheikha Hisa Bint Khalifa Al Khalifa of Bahrain.

You honor us with your presence, Excellencies and distinguished delegates.

Women's empowerment. Your role in 2026 will be more important than ever. Our essential work plays out in a world ever more shaken by crises, uncertainty and realignment. One where the historical truth of women and girls suffering first and suffering most plays out with grim consistency. Today, over 676 million women and girls live within 50 kilometers of deadly conflict, the highest number recorded since since the 1990s.

It is women and girls who bear the brunt of conflict, climate shocks, economic instability and political uncertainty. This is true from Afghanistan to Gaza, Haiti, Myanmar, the Sahel, South Sudan, Sudan, Ukraine, Yemen and beyond. UN Women has established itself as a crucial and recognized actor in these crises. We contribute to efforts in the humanitarian development and peace building spheres, working particularly closely with civil society. As a member of the iasc, we work with the United nations and civil society to ensure women's voices inform humanitarian response in Afghanistan, Sudan and Syria.

Women's advisory groups to the Humanitarian country team have strengthened women's leadership, improved accountability and led to more gender responsive humanitarian action across conflict and transition context. We are engaging women peacebuilders, highlighting their leadership and their voice. They broker local ceasefires, humanitarian access and we know where women lead peace follows. I am as proud of the UN women staff who deliver tirelessly in these most difficult of circumstances as I am of their achieved results. Excellencies, Our agenda for this session is weighty.

We will discuss audit. I hope you will share my satisfaction in our 14th consecutive unqualified audit opinion from the UN Board of Auditors and our fifth consecutive year of zero long outstanding recommendations from the UN Board of Auditors. We will also share our progress on internal controls and embedding enterprise risk management across the organization. You will see our focus on organizational effectiveness and efficiency is undimmed. We will discuss the JIU review on governance and oversight of the Executive Boards.

I look forward to your guidance as always as we work to strengthen even further our governance arrangements. Let me take the opportunity to thank again the JIU Working Group for their work. We will discuss organizational culture and racial discrimination, critical areas to build an enabling environment of a motivated workforce. It remains a prerequisite for our credibility as a global champion for gender equality and women's rights. We look forward to your guidance here.

Also, under the item of HIV aids, we will share an update on our contribution in the context of severe funding cuts to the sector. They take place alongside ongoing vulnerability of women and girls who risk suffering a potential 10 million new infections without urgent action. And we will discuss UN80 in all its aspects. This includes the work package on the proposal of the potential merger of UN women and UNFPA and the ongoing assessment process. We will continue our tradition in this Board of active and transparent engagement, honest dialogue and genuine partnership.

Together we can and must drive forward our crucial triple mandate and our work in all its aspects. The outcome of UN80, which will ultimately be your decision as Member States must deliver strongly for women and girls. Excellencies, we pursue our fundamental mandate in the face of of ever greater headwinds and intensified backlash. Political space is polarized, sometimes to the point of profound dysfunction, precipitous funding declines, including for women's organizations and those working for gender equality. Civic space shrunk further.

Yet UN Women continues to deliver as you have tasked us to do, undaunted, undeterred, in lockstep with our crucial civil society and women's rights partners and in harmony with your national priorities and aspirations. That was truer in 2025 than ever before we delivered in Somalia, where UN Women's support contributed to the adoption of a 30% women's quota in the electoral law. We delivered in Afghanistan where our coordination and advocacy as co lead of the Gender in Humanitarian Action Working Group helped drive a 20 fold increase in the funding of the Afghanistan Humanitarian Fund to Women led organizations up from 250,000 in 2023 to US dollars 5.07 million. This is transformative and life saving. We delivered in the Arab States region on women peace and security.

UN women supported the development, implementation and monitoring of WPS National Action Plans in Egypt, in Iraq, in Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Morocco and Tunisia, ensuring they remained flexible, localized and aligned with emerging priorities. We delivered in Europe and in Central Asia, working closely with national and local governments to deliver institutionalization of gender responsive budgets in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, North Macedonia and Serbia. We delivered in the Latin American and Caribbean region where we supported 22 countries to develop CARE related laws and policies, including legislation establishing formal care systems and legislative projects on care.

Excellencies we delivered on our coordination mandate, supporting 23 UN country teams and Resident Coordinators to establish their cooperation frameworks on country gender quality profiles. Another 20 are planned for 2026. As the office of the Focal point for Women in the United nations, we saw women reach 50.7% of staff in the UN system in the professional and higher categories in 2025. There is now sustained parity in the Senior Management Group among Resident Coordinators and at Headquarters. We look forward to building on the coordination momentum also through the Gender Equality Acceleration Plan as we push together as a coordinated UN system to deliver more for women and girls from the country to the regional and to the global level.

And we also delivered results through our normative role, supporting 48 countries across six regions to collect CARE related data for normative and policy frameworks. And as you saw last year, we we advanced the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action through catalyzing more than 110 Member States commitments under the Beijing Action Agenda.

Excellencies, the credit for these achievements is shared with you our Board. I also acknowledge with appreciation our development partners. Last year UN Women's resources saw a reduction of less than 11% from 2024, a markedly smaller reduction than for global ODA. We know our friends and allies among our donors work hard to protect UN women in the face of dramatic reductions across the Board and we know this reflects a wide ranging protection of investments in gender equality. We thank you for that.

Excellencies. We will need every resource possible to rise to the demands of 2026 as we begin to implement our new Strategic Plan we will take the momentum from the Beijing Action Plans to the first year of implementation of our strategic plan. Our shared ambition is greater impact at scale, greater accountability, bigger better results, all delivered with ever greater efficiency. This includes our pivot to the field, which we will see one third of our workforce moved to Bonn and Nairobi by the end of the year as planned. We already see cost savings and improved connectedness to the country level.

And this year we will place particular emphasis on building UN Women's role as thought leader. The 10th progress of the World's Women Report our flagship report will focus on gender equality and climate change. It will build on the new Gender Action Plan agreed at last year's COP30 meeting in Brazil, showcase our new Gender Equality and Climate Policies scorecard and serve as an input to COP31 in Turkey. And next month the 70th Commission on the Status of Women, CSW 70 will focus on access to justice for women and girls, with International Women's Day sharing the theme of Rights Justice Action for All Women and Girls. I ask you all to play your fullest part in seizing this opportunity to mobilize political will.

Justice is the foundation of rights, yet women and girls do not enjoy equal protection under the law in any country. Globally, women have only 64% of the legal rights of men.

There are few issues more deserving than access to justice of the Commission's attention. It is a worthy focus for its first session since the adoption of the resolution of its vitalization.

Excellencies 2026 will also see Member States choose a new Secretary General. I know that the imperatives of gender equality and the power of women's leadership will be prominent in your thoughts as you make your decisions.

Excellencies, Dear colleagues, it falls upon us all to nurture our mandate through a complex period. We do so from a position of strength. These last 15 years of partnership between UN Women and our Board have afforded us the best of foundations. We maintain an unerring focus on our mission to advance the voice and empowerment of all women and girls in their diversity everywhere. UN Women's advocacy and reach continues to grow and our brand is recognized as being uncompromising in the pursuit of equality, in the headwinds of funding cuts, of backlash and more.

Our mandate, given to us by you Member States, remains the single most comprehensive mandate in the United nations system to deliver on gender equality and women's rights. Through our impact on the ground, through our coordination efforts and through our normative and policy work, it will always serve as the unshakable ground on which we stand and we stand there alongside our partners, none closer than you, our board. Our pride in this entity, dear Excellencies, is not complacency nor our optimism imprudence. It is confidence, and rightly so. We have achieved so much, and I'm confident that 2026 will see us achieve much more together.

I look forward to the deliberations of these sessions and I thank you.


Uganda · President · Godfrey Kawaba [51:16]:

I thank Madam Executive Director for her very informative and comprehensive remarks.

Before opening the floor for your statements, I wish to gently remind delegations that the time limit set for delivering statements during the General discussions is 5 minutes for group statements and 3 minutes for individual delegations. This is necessary for us to make efficient and optimal use of the time today. May I also remind you that microphones will be cut off after a 32nd grace period. Delegations are invited to send their Full statements to estatementsn.org without further ado, I'd like to give the floor to the first speaker on our list.

May I now give the floor to the distinguished delegate Obarain HH Sheikh Haysa Bint Khalifa. Al Khalifa, the floor is yours, Madam.


Bahrain · Sheikha Hisa Bint Khalifa Al Khalifa [52:49]:

Thank you. Your Excellencies.

Your Excellency, President of the Executive Board of UN Women USG and Executive Director of UN Women. Your Excellencies, members of the Executive Board. Ladies and gentlemen, may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon you. I am pleased at the outset to communicate the greetings of Sheikha Bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa and the head of the Women's Supreme Council and her appreciation of the strategic role of UN Women in promoting integration between national policies and and international frameworks for the empowerment of women. I am honored to take part in the work of the first regular session of the Executive Board of the UN Women representing the Kingdom of Bahrain, which is proud to be a member of the Executive Board for the period 2026.

2028.

Our membership of the Executive Board of UN Women for the second time is an achievement that reflects the advanced status of Bahrain among countries with pioneering experiences in the different areas for the empowerment of women. The Kingdom of Bahrain will work during its membership of the EB to support the quality of UN Women's work in developing policies and strategies in the area of the empowerment of women and to promote its contribution in building societies and achieving the SDG and to promote the levels of its empowerment in areas of technology and modern science. We also support women's advancement in the workplace in line with our strategy towards gender equality and gender parity. Ladies and gentlemen, the Kingdom of Bahrain attaches great importance to this Session as it includes discussions on the strategic programs of UN Women which would guarantee the optimal use of resources and promoting efficiency, transparency and accountability and to achieve continued impact on the ground. We stress the importance of aligning the effort of UN Women with the priorities of the Member States and their national needs and developing follow up mechanisms and evaluation mechanisms towards measuring the effect of these efforts and towards their sustainability in the area of women, economic empowerment and protecting women's rights in the areas of development and peace.

We also stress the importance of multilateral partnerships, including cooperation with UN agencies and governments, the private sector and civil society organizations. We need to benefit from innovative and digital solutions to support the implementation of programs in an efficient way and to reach those most in need. In closing, the Kingdom of Bahrain reiterates its commitment to cooperate with UN women to contribute towards the effort of UN Women and to direct its programs towards tangible and sustainable efforts for women and girls across the world. I thank you. May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon you.


Uganda · President · Godfrey Kawaba [56:21]:

I thank the distinct delegate from Bahrain for her well stated remarks. The next speaker on my list is the distinct delegate from Uganda. You have the floor, uganda.


Uganda · Africa Group [56:37]:

Thank you. Mr. President, Executive Director, distinguished members of the Executive Board Excellencies, I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the African Group of Bureau members.

We thank the Executive Director for her comprehensive and forward looking briefing. We appreciate the clarity with which she outlined the complex global environment in which UN women operate. An environment marked by crisis, instability, shrinking civic space and persistent resistance to gender equality. In many of these contexts, including across our continent, women and girls indeed bear the heaviest burdens of conflicts, economic shocks, climate change and social fragility. The African Group reaffirms that the Executive Board remains the central intergovernmental platform for strategic guidance, accountability and partnership.

In this critical time, sustained engagement between Member States and UN women is not only important, it is indispensable. We reiterate our commitment to working constructively with the entity to advance its mandate in 2026 and beyond. We commend UN Women for achieving its 14th consecutive unqualified audit opinion. This reflects a strong commitment to sound financial management and accountability. We further welcome the ongoing efforts to address governance and oversight, including through the JIU review.

And we underscore the importance inclusive consultations with the Board as reforms are considered. Strengthening institutional structures must enhance effectiveness, transparency and alignment with member State priorities. The African Group takes note of the Entity's commitment to fostering an inclusive organizational culture rooted in rights, integrity and zero tolerance for discrimination. Credibility as the global champion for Gender equality must begin within the institution itself itself. We also appreciate the update on UN women's contribution to HIV AIDS response, particularly in light of the severe funding cuts.

The African continent continues to carry a disappropriate share of the global HIV AIDS burden, especially among women and adolescent girls. Sustained and predictable financing is therefore essential to protect hard won gains and prevent reversals. We acknowledge the update on UN80 and encourage continued transparency and clarity as this process evolves. Mr. President, the global realities outlined by the Executive Director, funding constraints, humanitarian crisis and pushback against gender equality are acutely felt across Africa. Yet we also recognize and commend UN women's continued delivery under difficult circumstances.

We note in particular its sustained engagement in humanitarian context, including Afghanistan and other crisis settings support to countries in developing care related laws and policies, an area of increasing importance for social protection systems, assistance to UN country teams in integrating gender equality into cooperation frameworks and strengthened data centered normative and policy support across dozens of countries. These efforts are critical to ensure that gender equality commitments translate into measurable results at country level. The African Group attaches particular importance to advancing Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. We acknowledge the more than 110 member states commitments under the Beijing Action Agenda and stress the need for implementation that reflects national priorities and context. As we look towards CS 70, the theme rights justice Actions for All Women and Girls, we underscore that access to justice remains center and to achieving sustainable equality and especially for rural women, women in conflict affected areas and women facing intersecting forms of discrimination.

We support strengthening the UN women's role as a thought leader while ensuring that its normative leadership is grounded in intergovernmental mandates and responsive to member states. Mr. President, we look ahead delivering as we look ahead. Delivering impact at scale will require efficiency, accountability and predictability. The African Group retaliates the importance of adequate, flexible and core resources to enable UN women to fully implement its triple mandate. Normative support, coordination and operational activities without sustainable financing ambitions cannot translate into results.

In closing, we reaffirm our confidence in the mandate of UN women and in the partnership between the Entity and the Executive Board. Stewarding this mandate through complex global challenges requires mutual trust, respect for intergovernmental oversight and a shared commitment to results. Progress in advancing gender equality is not inevitable. It is the product of deliberate action, partnership and sustained investment. The African Group stands ready to continue working closely with un.


Uganda · President · Godfrey Kawaba [1:01:44]:

I thank the distinct delegates from Uganda for the statement. I now give the floor to our next speaker from the Republic of Kyrgyzstan. Kyrgyzstan, you have the floor.


Kyrgyzstan [1:02:01]:

Mr. President. Madam Executive Director distinguished members of the Executive Board, allow me to begin by expressing our appreciation to the outgoing Bureau for its dedicated leadership throughout 2025. We also thank the Executive Director of UN Women, Madam Sima Bakhus, for her continued engagement and vision. The Kyrgyz Republic aligns itself with the principles and mandate of UN Women and reaffirms its strong commitment to advancing gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls at the national, regional and global levels. We commend UN Women for receiving its 14th consecutive unqualified audit opinion, and we welcome ongoing efforts to strengthen governance and oversight, including through the JIU Review.

We also welcome the Secretary General's UN Aid Initiative aimed at building a more effective, coherent and accountable UN development system. Reforms are necessary, but they must be guided by a clear strategic vision and supported by transparent, timely and evidence based consultations with Executive Boards. Any structural change, including potential mergers, should be grounded in a careful assessment of their implications for mandates, governance and operational delivery. It is essential that the integrity of mandates, particularly on gender equality and women's rights, be fully preserved. We remain committed to ensuring that UN NATO strengthens the UN impact and effectiveness at country level.

Dear colleagues, Kyrgyzstan values its close partnership with UN women. At the national level, we have made tangible Progress. Women hold 42% of seats in local councils and 33% of parliament, exceeding the 30% quarter. We have strengthened legislation on domestic and sexual violence, removed legal loopholes that allowed impunity and expanded protection mechanisms for survivors. We are also advancing women's economic empowerment under the President's Social contract program.

Over 94% of nearly 49,000 beneficiaries are women, primarily from rural areas. This initiative has helped thousands of women establish small businesses and achieve economic independence. Complementary interest free loan programs further support sustainable entrepreneurship. Our cooperation with UN women has been instrumental in developing the national Gender equality strategy until 2030, advancing the Women Peace and security agenda and preparing our CEDAW and Beijing 30 reports. At the regional level, Kyrgyzstan actively promotes cooperation with Central Asia.

As a Chair of the Central Asian Women leaders dialogue in 2024, we hosted a forum focused on women's role in peace and security in Central Asia.


Uganda · President · Godfrey Kawaba [1:05:02]:

I thank the distinct delegates from Kyrgyzstan for their statement and now give the floor to belijam. Belijam, please.


Belgium [1:05:15]:

Mr. President, Madam Executive Director, Excellencies, colleagues. Belgium is a firm and unwavering supporter of UN women and of the dedicated staff who work tirelessly every day to make Sustainable Development Goal 5 a reality. Your work is indispensable not only to women and girls, but to the strength, resilience, development and prosperity of our societies excellencies. In times marked by instability and by challenges to the multilateral system as we know it, Belgium remains deeply convinced that it is not by weakening our standards that the world will be better off tomorrow. And it is not by weakening our commitments to gender equality, to human rights or to SRHR that we will build a safer, fairer or more stable world.

Belgium is honored to serve as Vice President of this Executive Board. We approach this role with humility, determination and a deep sense of shared purpose. We will work with all delegations to ensure dialogue that is open, respectful and grounded in the pursuit of real progress. Our goals are to support UN Women in fully realizing its mandate and to help reinforce its effectiveness and impact on the ground, including within the broader vision of the UN80 process. This year it is evident that our collective energy in this Executive Board will centre on two the unity process and the implementation of the 20262029 strategic plan.

These are not merely administrative exercises. They are opportunities to shape the future of gender equality within a stronger, more coherent United Nations. In this context, potential merger decisions must be evidence based and must preserve the mandates of UN women and unfpa. Belgium believes deeply in delivering real, tangible change for women and girls. This is why we encourage UN Women to continue strengthening its operational efficiency, enhancing collaboration within UN country teams and ensuring greater consistency across all field offices.

Delivery should never depend on individual leadership alone. It must rely on robust, coherent and harmonized systems that guarantee quality and impact everywhere. Excellencies in times of resistance and uncertainty. Optimism is not naive. Optimism is courage.

It is the choice to believe in solutions when challenges seem overwhelming. It is the conviction that equality is not only possible, but inevitable and positive. Let's focus on concrete results. Let's also ensure that any reform strengthens the rights of women and girls. I thank you.


Uganda · President · Godfrey Kawaba [1:08:09]:

I thank the District Delegate of Belgium for their statement. And now I give the floor to Albania. Albania have the floor. Thank you, Mr. President, Madam Executive Director, distinguished members of the Executive Board. Albania aligns itself with the spirit of partnership and shared responsibility reflected in the Executive Director's opening remarks.


Albania [1:08:29]:

And we thank her for a clear and forward looking presentation of UN Women's priorities at a moment of profound global uncertainty. Mr. President, Albania firmly believes that UN Women's leadership is indispensable not only as a norm setter, but as a trusted partner supporting countries in translating global commitments into national actions. We commend UN Women for achieving its 14th consecutive unqualified audit opinion demonstrating strong financial stewardship and institutional maturity at a time of fiscal constraint, such accountability is essential to sustaining Member States confidence. Albania also welcomes the UN 80 initiatives as a necessary effort to build a more effective, coherent, accountable and future fit UN system, provided that reforms are guided by a clear, long term strategic vision grounded in evidence and balanced against their institutional and operational cost. In this context, Albania stresses the importance of inclusive and structured consultation with the executive boards and civil society on agency related work streams, including any potential structural changes.

Mr. President in Albania, gender equality is anchored in law through a comprehensive framework that includes mandatory gender representation targets in elected bodies, gender responsive budgeting requirements and institutional gender equality mechanisms across central and local government. These legal commitments are operationalized through Albania's National Strategy on Gender Equality 2130 and its National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security, now in its third cycle. Our commitment to gender equality was further reinforced with the adoption of Albania's new law on gender equality in November 2025 which modernizes the legal framework in line with international and European standards. The law strengthens enforcement, accountability and gender responsive policymaking, with particular emphasis on intersectionality and the systemic use of gender disaggregated data. We therefore particularly value UN women's continued support to Member States in strengthening gender responsive legal frameworks, data system and national implementation capacity even in highly constrained environments.

The organization's results in humanitarian settings, care economy policies and system wide gender mainstreaming illustrate what principled evidence based action can achieve. In this regard. Albania supports women's ambition to deliver greater impact at scale while strengthening its role as a thought leader and a system wide catalyst for gender equality, including through close alignment with broader UN reform efforts such as UN 80. Mr. President, Albania stands ready to work closely with UN Women and fellow board members to steward the organization's mandate with confidence, pragmatism and ambition guided by results, accountability and an unwavering commitment to gender equality.


Uganda · President · Godfrey Kawaba [1:11:18]:

I thank the District Delegate of Albania for their statement and I will give the floor to Bangladesh. Bangladesh have the floor.


Bangladesh [1:11:30]:

Thank you Mr. President. At the outset I wish to thank the UN Women leadership for their State first partnership and for a strategic plan that truly reflects our shared priorities of equality and inclusive growth. UN Women remains a key partner in Bangladesh's national reforms aimed at strengthening their empowerment and political participation. The technical expertise provided by the UN Women played an instrumental role in implementation of the National Action Plan for Women, Peace and Security and also in refining our legislative frameworks to ensure that they align with international normative standards. We have ensured increased participation of women with entrepreneurship skills through targeted ICT programs to Further strengthen our collaboration in achieving transformative economic results.

We urge the UN women to focus on the following areas. First, Bangladesh's leadership in care economy is now recognized widely. We stand ready to share our experiences in the care economy with other developing countries. Second, women in Bangladesh are at the front lines of climate induced disasters. Technical support at the grassroots level is necessary to build resilient infrastructure and sustainable livelihoods, particularly for women.

Third, as Bangladesh approaches its LDC graduation, we look forward to continued and predictable technical cooperation tailored to our new development needs. It is essential that this transition remains gender responsive and ensures green jobs digital inclusion for women. In closing, let me reiterate our firm commitment to a partnership with the UN women to translate our national priorities into shared global success Success. By walking this journey together, we will transform challenges to sustainable opportunities and ensure that no woman or girl is left behind. I thank you.


Uganda · President · Godfrey Kawaba [1:13:49]:

I thank the district delegates of Bangladesh for their statement and now give the floor to Denmark. Denmark


Denmark [1:13:59]:

Thank you Mr. President, Madam Executive Director Dear colleagues, as we've just heard in the ED's excellent statement, 2026 unfolds amid conflict, pressure on rules based international cooperation and a shrinking fragmented ODA landscape. At the same time, much needed progress on gender equality is facing pushback and in some cases rights once secured are rapidly regressing. The current global landscape reminds us that decades of hard won gains cannot be taken for granted. In this context, UN women's mandate to advance women's empowerment, economic participation and the full realization of gender equality is indeed more relevant than ever.

Against this backdrop, Denmark stands firmly behind the United nations effective multilateralisms and the Secretary General's UN 80 reform initiative. UN 80 is not a cost cutting exercise. It's about ensuring that the UN can deliver on its core mandates. In a changing reality, particularly for women and girls, a smaller and leaner United nations can also be a stronger and more effective United nations better equipped to deliver results on the ground. In this slide, Denmark supports the ongoing assessment of a possible merger between UN FPA and UN Women.

We see merit in exploring whether a more unified structure can strengthen delivery at country level and reinforce the global voice for gender equality. Ultimately, reform must improve results for women and girls by strengthening existing mandates and expanding their reach and impact. If we want a UN that delivers in the decades ahead, we must be prepared to modernize and strengthen its structures. Today. You can count on Denmark to engage constructively in the UN 80 reform process.

Madam Executive Director, Mr. President, as UN Women advances a demanding reform agenda, it is simultaneously entering the implementation phase of its strategic plan for 2026-2029. Denmark supports the strategic plan because it sets a clear strategic direction with a strong focus of gender equality, women's empowerment system, wide gender mainstreaming and reaches those furthest behind. The test now lies in disciplined, coherent implementation. As a long standing and committed partner and as a top five core donor, Denmark remains fully committed to close cooperation with UN women in the year ahead. Madam Executive Director, let me once again thank you personally and all the able and dedicated staff at UN Women for the important work you do every day in these extremely challenging times.


Uganda · President · Godfrey Kawaba [1:16:54]:

I thank you. I thank the district delegates of Denmark for their statement. I now give the floor to the District delegate of Sweden.


Sweden [1:17:07]:

Mr. President, let me begin by congratulating you on your assumption of the Presidential this Executive Executive Board. And thank you, Madam Executive Director Madam Sina Bahus for your insightful address. Sweden commends UN women for delivering strong country level results despite political and financial pressures. In December, Sweden and UN Women signed a new multi year agreement for 2026-28 and we are pleased to maintain $13 million in core support for 2026. We welcome the Secretary General's UN aid initiative as an important opportunity to strengthen delivery across the United nations system.

We are united in wanting a UN that delivers tangible results for all women and girls. Sweden's commitment to gender equality and to effective reform is firm. The question before us is not whether to improve the system, but how to do so without weakening what already works. Sweden approaches the proposal to explore a potential merger between UN Women and UN FPA with an open mind. At the same at the same time, we recall that these entities were created with distinct and complementary mandates, both essential in different ways.

A potential merger must not dilute their respective focus or effectiveness. To address the challenges of under resourcing, uneven coordination and inconsistent political support, we urge UN women to accelerate the implementation or the repositioning of the UN development system, including strengthen joint programming, a clearer division of labor and improved coordination within UN country teams under the strengthened leadership of the Resident Coordinator. In the end, these measures may prove more effective than structural consolidation. UN Women embodies a hard won institutional commitment. Its existence signals that gender equality is a standalone priority, not subordinate to any other agendas.

At a time of growing pushback against women's rights, that clarity carries particular weight. We are mindful that a merged entity could face more challenges in intergovernment negotiations and potentially reduced access in sensitive contexts, including legal reform and women's leadership. We see parallel risk for the equally vital and specialised work of unfpa. There are also financial realities to consider. Expectations of efficiency gains are high and may translate into reduced overall funding, leaving the combined entity with broad responsibilities but fewer means.

For these reasons, Sweden will continue to call for a thorough evidence based review that carefully weighs the risks and benefits and also considers alternatives to a merger. This process must be transparent, analytically grounded and ensure meaningful engagement of executive boards, civil society and staff. When women's rights are strong, the United nations is stronger. When they are weakened, the credibility of the system is weakened with them. I thank you.


Uganda · President · Godfrey Kawaba [1:20:03]:

I thank the distinguished delegate of Sweden for the statement and now give the floor to Germany.


Germany [1:20:16]:

Thank you, President, Madam, Executive Director, Excellencies, colleagues. Let me begin by thanking the management and the staff of UN Women for the dedication and hard work often carried out under the most challenging circumstances. Thank you. For some years now, we've been witnessing an increasing number of crises and conflicts, shrinking civic spaces and an alarming pushback against gender equality. And in many places, rights of women and girls are being undermined, sometimes gradually, sometimes in a disruptive way.

And this is not only a broken promise to the women and girls whose lives we have committed to improve, it carries at the same time the risk of wasting the potential of one half of humanity. Against the spectrum. Let me highlight three points. First, UN women plays a vital role in safeguarding the progress we have made and preventing any setbacks to the rights of women and girls in all their diversity. These rights are integral to universal human rights and essential for sustainable development, for reinforcing economic development, social stability and quite frankly, for peace.

Secondly, we do have to recognize that in the face of persistent global challenges and declining budgetary resources, reform is not optional, but necessary to enhance the United nations efficiency, effectiveness and accountability. The current reform processes, including the UNAD initiative, the implementation of the reform of the United Nations Development system and the JIU recommendations on governance and oversight, they're all essential and must be pursued with determination. We encourage UN women to continue strengthening coordination with other entities, reducing duplication and having mechanisms in place that incentivize full cooperation with the Resident Coordinators and the respective UN country teams on the ground. Rest assured that Germany will continue to support these reform processes and we will increasingly focus our cooperation on those multilateral entities and partners that demonstrate a genuine commitment to reform and a strong focus on better results. Thirdly, at the same time, it is imperative that we collectively protect the integrity of UN women's mandate on promoting gender equality and empowering women and girls worldwide in any structural or non structural reform.

And this includes Possible mergers. As I conclude, I would like to highlight Germany's particular close cooperation with UN women. In November we had the pleasure of celebrating the official opening of UN Women's Office in Bonn and we welcome the strength and presence of UN women in Germany and look forward to use the opportunities that come with it to further deepen our partnership. With that, I would just like to wish us an informative, constructive and most of all successful board meeting. Thank you very much.


Uganda · President · Godfrey Kawaba [1:23:16]:

I thank the District Delegate of Germany for the statement. I now give the floor to the Republic of Korea.


Republic of Korea [1:23:31]:

I congratulate you and the members of the newly elected Bureau. We look forward to constructive collaboration with this Board. My delegation would like to highlight three points today. First, UN Women's Strategy Plan 2026-29 with only four years remaining until 2030 SDG target date this first year carries extraordinary significance. These choices we make on priority resources and partnerships will determine whether we can deliver on our commitment to women and girls worldwide.

As such, we welcome the Plan's practical emphasis on post thematic impact areas and stand ready to support its effective implementation. Central to this plan is the people to regions and countries strengthening UN EMI's field based path to deliver mandated impact on the ground. We commend this transformation. Second, financial accountability. We appreciate UN EMI's continued commitment to financial transparency.

We welcome the 2024 audit result and look forward to ongoing rigorous financial management that ensures every dollar delivers maximum impact. In this new environment as a significant contributor to UN Women's and host of the Knowledge and Partnership center in Seoul will continue to provide strong financial support moving forward with particular focus on technology facilitated violence against women. Last but not least, the UN AID initiative. The multilateral system faces unprecedented pressures, financial constraint, faltering confidence in international cooperation and calls for fundamental reform. Against this backdrop, proposals for the potential integration of UN Women and UN FPA have emerged carrying profound implications for UN's mission on gender equality.

The Republic Korea approaches these discussions with the gravity they deserve. We must be clear. UN mandates must be preserved and strengthened, not diluted. Any evaluation of the structural options must be transparent, thorough and guided in solid evidence. In this light, we urge UN Yimin leadership to ensure robust consultation with both every step of the way.

In closing, the Republic Korea reaffirms our unwavering commitment to the UN Women's mandate in this challenging time. I thank you.


Uganda · President · Godfrey Kawaba [1:26:23]:

I thank the District Delegate of the Republic of Korea for their statement and now give the floor to Moldova executive director Bahus.


Republic of Moldova [1:26:35]:

Mr. President, Excellencies, all protocols observed. President, the Republic of Moldova fully supports the vital work of UN women and reaffirms its firm commitment to advancing protecting human rights, achieving gender equality and empowerment of women and girls.

Day one Women has made a profound global impact through its mandate in strengthening women's leadership and political participation, promoting economic empowerment, ending violence against women and advancing peace, security and human actions. Its work has evolved into a truly cross cutting pillar of United nations system, setting standards and driving gender equality across all areas of UN Action Excellencies. It is deeply concerning to witness the scale of challenges and crises currently confronting the United nations and UN Women in particular. We believe that the UN 80 initiative, UN 20 and the UN system wide gender Equality Acceleration Plan offer a valuable opportunity to strengthen the organization's effectiveness, coherence and responsiveness to global challenges through a gender responsive and gender inclusive vision. We also welcome the implementation of Strategic Plan 20262029 grounded in the UN Women's unique triple mandate of normative leadership, operations, engagement and enhance UN system wide coordination.

Mr. President, the Republican Law promotes gender equality through comprehensive policies aligned with the European Integration agenda, including fiscal measures, violence prevention and support for women entrepreneurship and political partnership. In 2025, my country reached a historic milestone by ranking 7 globally in the Global Gender Equality Index in the World Economic Forum. This achievement reflects sustained national progress and our long standing commitment to equal opportunities in education, employment, health care and leadership. We also acknowledge the role of our close partnership with the UN Women Country's office in the context of a war in Ukraine and the resulting refugee crisis. UN Women has supported the Government of the Republic of Moldova in ensuring that we gender perspective in full integration and humanitarian response.

To conclude, the Republic of Moldova stands in full solidarity with the UN mission of UN Women and supports its partnership based approach. I thank you. I thank the District Delegate of the Republic of Moldova for their statement and now I give the floor to Canada. Madame la Presidente, Madame la Directorice, Executive Chair, Director Excellencies, we are pleased to be taking part in this session of the Executive Board at a vital time for multilateralism marked by many fold crises, budgetary constraints and gaps when it comes to gender equality. In this context, international cooperation and the role of UN women are more important than ever.


Uganda · President · Godfrey Kawaba [1:30:03]:

Canada reaffirms its commitment to UN women and its mandate which remain a cornerstone of the implementation of the 2030 Agenda as well as the protection of the rights of women and girls. We commend the leadership of UN Women and the concrete outcomes it has achieved when it comes to economic empowerment as well as strengthening regulatory frameworks and partnerships with women's organizations and civil society, certainty and constrained resources. Canada recognizes the need for ambitious structural reforms to improve impact and delivery for all particularly marginalized populations. Canada looks to the UNAD initiative to enhance results and system wide coherence. In this way, any structural reform, including proposed mergers, must be based on transparent evidence based assessment that considers alternative options.


Canada [1:31:02]:

The assessment must be informed by consultations and address the concerns raised by Member States on mandate protection, legal procedures and accountabilities. And above all, it must ensure the integrity of UN Women's mandate to meet this moment of uncertainty and transition amid global backsliding on gender equality. Canada will work to ensure that the UNAD initiative both safeguards hard won progress for gender equality and advances efficiency driven reforms. Progress for women and girls depends on strong fit for purpose institutions that can deliver meaningful results. When all women and girls are secure in their rights, safe from violence and economically empowered development outcomes are stronger, peace and security is more durable and the future is more resilient for all.


Uganda · President · Godfrey Kawaba [1:31:53]:

Thank you Nassi. I thank the District Delegate of Canada for the statement and I'll give the floor to the Philippines.


Philippines [1:32:08]:

Mr. President, first, we wish to congratulate you and the members of the Bureau on your election and to thank the Executive Director for her important statement. It is an honor for the Philippines to assume membership on the Executive Board of the UN Women at this section. At this session and as we continue to deepen our long standing commitment to gender equality and our partnership with UN Women, the Philippines now ranks 20th out of 148 countries in the World Economic Forum's 2025 Global Gender Gap Index. This achievement is grounded in a strong legal framework that institutionalizes gender equality, safeguards women's rights and reinforces accountability across government and society. Some examples include our Magna Carta Women, an Anti Violence Against Women and Their Children act, and also a Safe Spaces Act.

Recent reports of the Philippine Commission on Women attest to improve gender mainstreaming in a majority of national government agencies, translating into more gender responsive services for women and girls. Our membership in the Executive Board also coincides with our chairship of the asean, which opens opportunities to help advance gender equality and in asean, we're working to shape a new ASEAN Committee on Women Work Plan 2026-2030 and we welcome UN Women's collaboration with ASEAN bodies on women's economic empowerment, prevention of gender based violence and women's political participation. This Board session comes at a time of intensive discussions on reforms and efficiencies in the context of the UNAD initiative. It is important for the Board to closely analyze the impacts of various suggested reforms, especially in the UNAD's Work Stream 3 on the UN development system and this is also important as UN Women moves forward with its strategic plan and supporting the 2030 Agenda. An issue of particular importance for the Philippines is the Women Peace and Security Agenda and we hosted an international conference in Manila in 2024 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the UN Security Council Resolution 1325.

In this regard, we would like to inquire with the Executive Director on UN Women's works and work and plans on the WPS Agenda as we are particularly interested in carrying this particular issue forward in all the relevant UN fora.


Uganda · President · Godfrey Kawaba [1:34:42]:

Thank you, Mr. President, the district Delegates of Philippines for their statement. I now give the floor to Finland.


Finland [1:34:51]:

Mr. President, thank you, Madam Executive Director. According to the Charter of the un, the UN was founded to promote respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for all without distinction as to race, sex, language or religion.

We all signed into the Charter principles when our countries joined the un. All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. This has been confirmed by numerous international regional instruments thereafter. We find it alarming that today, in our modern times and 80 years after the founding of the UN, there is a pushback against this well established principle. We regret that even the internationally accepted concept of gender equality is questioned.

Madam Executive Director, thank you for your strong leadership in promoting the cause of all women and girls of the world. Finland comments your strong commitment and leadership in delivering on UN women's important triple mandates. Finland stands with you promoting gender equality and rights of women and girls, including sexual and reproductive health and rights. This should not be about theoretical battles in meeting rooms. We are talking about the ability of girls to finish their school or women to contribute to their families, societies and economies.

Without this, my own country would never have become one of the most stable countries in the world. Rising from dire poverty to a Nordic welfare society. Without gender equality, we can forget chances for progress in achieving the SDGs. More women and girls live in conflict affected areas than ever since 1990s. We have to step up our collective efforts to safeguard peace and international law based order.

The WPS agenda and its strong integration into the work of the Security Council remains a core priority for Finland. We underscore UN women's role in closing the digital gender divide while addressing the growing risks of online sexual and gender based violence. A real problem even for our UN community. Gender equality cannot be achieved without meaningful disability inclusion and we encourage UN women to build an inclusive organization that leaves no one behind. We appreciate UN women's work in risk management, ethics and integrity and look forward to hearing how these functions will be safeguarded amid reform efforts ongoing.

In closing, our common task in our modern times is to empower women and girls everywhere and transform gender equality, justice and opportunity for all from an aspiration into reality for the sake of the dignity and worth of every human person. Mr. President, I thank you.


Uganda · President · Godfrey Kawaba [1:37:50]:

I thank the District delegates of Finland for their statement. I now give the floor to Montenegro.


Montenegro [1:37:59]:

Thank you, Mr. President.

We congratulate the newly elected bureau and thank the Executive Director for her clear and focused opening remarks. In a world marked by conflict, instability and growing uncertainty, women and girls continue to bear the heaviest burden. At the same time, we are witnessing increasing resistance to gender equality and shrinking civic space. In many contexts, progress cannot be taken for granted. It must be actively protected and advanced.

In this regard, UN women's unique role in setting global standards, supporting implementation on the ground and coordinating the UN system on gender equality remains indispensable. The Executive Board plays a central role in ensuring that this mandate is delivered with impact, accountability and strategic clarity. Montenegro welcomes the presentation of the financial report and commend UN Women for achieving its 14 consecutive unqualified audit opinion. Strong oversight, sound risk management and continued engagement on the GIU review are essential to maintaining trust and institutional credibility. In the context of UNAD initiative, we underlined the important governing role of the Executive Board.

Meaningful oversight requires timely, transparent and evidence based information to support informed decision making. Reform efforts must ultimately make the UN more accountable, coherent and effective while fully preserving the strength and integrity of UN Women's mandate. We also value the continued focus on organizational culture, anti discrimination and anti rac. An institution that leads globally on gender equality must continue to lead by example. Internally.

As we look ahead to CSW 70, Montenegro reaffirms its strong commitment to advancing women's rights and access to justice. We stress the importance of translating the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action into concrete and measurable results, particularly in the current global context. In times of uncertainty, investing in gender equality is not optional. It is essential for peace, resilience and sustainable development. As a country firmly committed to multilateralism, EU standards of gender equality and the women peace and security agenda, Montenegro remains a committed partner of the UN Women and looks forward to continued cooperation in 2026 and beyond.


Uganda · President · Godfrey Kawaba [1:40:25]:

Thank you. I thank the District Delegate of Montenegro for their statement. I now give the floor to Mianima.


Myanmar [1:40:34]:

Thank you, Mr. President. Mr. President, at the outset, I wish to congratulate you and the Bureau on your election.

Please be assured of my delegation's full support. Thank you, Madam Executive Director for your insightful remarks. You have rightly pointed out the urgency for building stronger partnership rooted in confidence and strength to navigate global crises. Nowhere is the partnership more critical and more tested than in my country. In Myanmar, the unlawful military coup has persisted for over five years with the Military Hunters widespread and systematic atrocities inflicting a devastating human toll.

Over 7,800 people, including women and girls, were killed by the military junta. More than 3.6 million people are displaced. Almost 22 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance. Among them, over 10.4 million are women and girls and children alone account for over 6.3 million. The grim reality is that the current multi layer crisis has increased the risks of women girls in Myanmar.

They have become highly vulnerable to gender based violence and human trafficking and continue to bear the heaviest burdens of the Military Hunters campaign of terror against the populations across the country. In Myanmar, there is no escape for women and girls. Not only does the junta indiscriminately utilize heavy weapon, airstrike and explosive ordinance against the civilians, but they are also exercising the same patterns or atrocities without any changes. Sexual violence, harassment and displacement, lack of access to health care and adjustments are the daily reality of these vulnerable groups. Furthermore, guests and young women, as well as their parents live in constant fear due to military junta forced conscription for every household in Myanmar.

The Military Hunters and its affiliates represent their primary threat. Therefore, partnership with the hunter is complicit. It is imperative for donors including the UN to strengthen the direct pure partnership with nug, Eros and women led CSO and look at partners sustainable and predictable cross border funding pathway to low gas CSO will ensure it reach to those in need. As UN Women prepare for CSW 70's call for gestures, we cannot the crisis and the impunity enjoying by the Junta continue. Therefore, we ask the UN and all member states to reject any attempts bind the Junta to use its sham elections to gain legitimacy and to conceal their atrocities against their populations, especially women and girls.

The nug, together with ERO and CSO and local partner is committed to laying the fundamentals for democratic union where rights of of every women girls are grantee. I thank you.


Uganda · President · Godfrey Kawaba [1:43:38]:

I thank the district delegate of Myanima for their statement. I now give the floor to Bulgaria.


Bulgaria [1:43:48]:

Mr. President, I extend my gratitude to you and the Bureau for your leadership. You can count on Bulgaria's continued support and constructive engagement. Bulgaria fully reaffirms its commitment to advancing gender equality to the Women Peace and Security agenda and to the implementation of the UN Women strategic plan and its triple mandate. We commend UN Women for achieving a 14 consecutive unqualified audit opinion reflecting sound management and institutional integrity. We also welcome ongoing efforts efforts to strengthening governance and oversight, including through the Joint Inspection Unit review and look forward to engaging constructively at the time of shrinking civic space, funding constraints and growing resistance to gender equality, the global financing gap and rising violence against women and girls remain deeply concerning.

We are particularly mindful of the impact of funding cuts and appreciate UN women's continued efforts to protect essential services and support most vulnerable. We commend UN women sustained delivery in complex contexts, including humanitarian settings, as well as its support to Member States in strengthening legal and policy frameworks. These efforts reinforcements its role as a credible and essential actor for inclusion rights and equality. We expect that through the UN 80 Reform Agenda, the UN Architecture for Gender equality will be further enhanced and strengthened and we will support proposals aimed at achieving this goal. As we look ahead of CSW 17 and the continued implementation of the Strategic Plan, Bulgaria reaffirms its strong support for predictable and sustainable core funding which is vital for the organization to deliver impact at scale and with accountability.

We remain committed to working in close partnership in the interest of advancing gender equality


Uganda · President · Godfrey Kawaba [1:46:11]:

and I thank you thank the District delegates of Bulgaria for their statement and I give the floor to South Africa.


South Africa [1:46:22]:

Thank you. Chairperson Executive Director Members of the Executive Board South Africa aligns itself with a statement delivered on behalf of the Africa Group. At this critical juncture we must remind ourselves that gender equality is fundamental to sustainable development, peace and human rights. However, we meet at a time when hard won gains on gender equality are facing pushback due to regressive and exclusionary political ideologies. This is further compounded by the current liquidity crisis affecting the United nations which disproportionately impacts financing for gender equality and women's empowerment.

We must state unequivocally that commitments to the rights of all women and girls cannot be subjected to the causality of fiscal austerity and we call on all Member States to safeguard the mandate of this entity. Chairperson we remain concerned at the silencing of women's voices and needs. Women must be at the forefront of shaping policy that affect their lives and livelihoods. Achieving substantive gender equality requires deliberate and targeted action to dismantle systemic barriers. Chairperson South Africa remains unwavering in its commitment to gender mainstreaming across all spheres of government and the United Nations.

We must intensify efforts to eliminate harmful policies and patriarchal norms, including those perpetuated under the guise of cultural or religion, which undermines the privacy, safety, bodily autonomy and dignity of all women and girls. Addressing structural barriers across their life course will enable us to close gender gaps in education, employment, leadership and decision making and assess and access to productive resources and financing. Chairperson we look forward to engaging constructively during the next two days. Our participation is guided by our firm and long standing commitment to the mandate and leadership of UN Women. Before I conclude, allow me to commend UN Women on attaining its 14th consecutive unqualified audit.

This achievement reflects strong stewardship, accountability and institutional integrity, qualities that are indispensable as the entity navigates an increasingly complex political and financial landscape, including Unit I thank you.


Uganda · President · Godfrey Kawaba [1:48:58]:

I thank the District Delegate of South Africa for the statement. I now give the floor to Australia.


Australia [1:49:08]:

Thank you, President and executive director. The UN80 initiative, the Humanitarian Reset and wider UN reform a key priority opportunities for Australia we see 2026 as an important year to set the multilateral system on a stronger and more resilient path. Gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls remain urgent global goals. Australia is firmly committed to this agenda because the benefits are clear. Gender equality reduces poverty and conflict, strengthens social cohesion and wellbeing, and boosts economic growth and opportunity for current and future generations.

Australia supports UN wide reforms that strengthen the system's ability to deliver sustainable development. We look forward to the assessment of the proposed UNFPA UN Women merger and encourage open, regular communication with Member States. We reaffirm that the core mandates of both agencies should not be reopened. UN Women's Triple mandate, its global leadership on gender norms, coordination across the UN system and operational programs remain central to advancing gender equality and improving outcomes for women and girls. Executive Boards must stay closely involved, supported by a clear legal and governance roadmap, risk and cost analyses and comparisons of institutional options as UN 80 discussions continue.

Australia strongly supports UN Women's mandate and its upcoming 20262030 strategic plan. Implementing agreed reforms will be essential for the success of broader UN system reform processes. Member States need transparent information on how UN Women is improving its efficiency while staying focused on its core mission. We also stress the importance of continued investment in the Indo Pacific, especially the Pacific. UN women's work to build resilience, reduce discrimination and support survivors of violence is making a real difference across the region.

Australia is proud to stand with UN Women and remains committed to its vital work. Together we can advance gender equality, empowerment and the rights of all women and girls.


Uganda · President · Godfrey Kawaba [1:51:33]:

Thank you I thank the District Delegate of Australia for their comments and I'll give the floor to Croatia.


Croatia [1:51:43]:

Thank you, Madam President, Executive Director, Excellencies. We thank the President and the Executive Director for their comprehensive presentations and as a newly elected member of the Executive Board, Croatia is honored by the trust placed in a U.S. we assume this responsibility with a clear determination to contribute to the Board's work constructively, pragmatically and in a spirit of partnership. We strongly support UN Women's commitment to ensuring that its credibility as a global advocate for gender equality is matched by integrity, accountability and inclusiveness within the institution itself. We commend its continued engagement in Afghanistan, its efforts to advance CARE policies in Latin America and the Caribbean, and its system wide support for integrating gender equality into UN country operation frameworks. These examples demonstrate the value of UN Women's triple mandate in practice and the global context is indeed challenging and rapidly evolving.

But in such circumstances, women and girls continue to bear disproportionate burdens, whether in situations of conflict, displacement, poverty or democratic backsliding. For Croatia, gender equality is a core value guiding both our domestic policies and our international engagement. We therefore remain firm supporters of strengthening the United nations gender equality architecture. At the same time, we recognize that we are operating in a period of constrained resources and within the broader UN 80 reform context. We hope this reform process will serve as an opportunity to enhance coherence and sharpen impact and reaffirm the centrality of gender equality across the UN system.

In times of significant change, it is essential not to lose sight of our objectives nor to compromise key principles along the way. Looking ahead to CSW 70, Croatia reaffirms that access to justice and the fight against discrimination and violence against women must remain priorities. As we continue implementing the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, our shared responsibility is to translate commitments into measurable results. As a Board member, Croatia will act as a constructive partner working towards consensus while remaining principled and steadfast in our support for gender equality and women's rights. I thank you.


Uganda · President · Godfrey Kawaba [1:54:11]:

I thank the District Delegate of Croatia for their statement and I will give the floor to Rwanda.


Rwanda [1:54:21]:

Thank you very much, Mr. President, Executive Director, distinguished members of the Executive Board Excellencies, we align ourselves with the statement delivered on behalf of the African Group members of the Executive Board by Uganda. We also thank the Executive Director for her briefing. As must have said, we meet at a time when fiscal pressures are tightening, humanitarian crises are expanding, and MARTA tourism itself is being tested in many contexts. Women and girls are the most to feel the shock in today's World agencies such as UN Women are among the clearest expressions of multitudism that deliver for many women and girls. UN Women is not an abstract institution, they are a lifeline.

This is precisely why we created UN Women to ensure that gender equality does not become a secondary priority in moments of global shocks. Mr. President, colleagues looking ahead first, on delivery. In an era of constrained resources, clarity of purpose is essential. UN Women must continue sharpening its comparative advantage under the triple mandate and demonstrate measurable results at country level. For us, we believe that impact, not activity, must remain our benchmark.

Second, on coherence, gender equality cannot be soiled. Coordination across the UN development system is no longer an option. It is a necessity. UN Women coordination role in UN country teams must be strengthened. Clear accountability for gender mainstreaming across the UN system will enhance credibility and efficiency.

Third, on responsibility as board members, our role is not limited to oversight. Oversight ensures accountability and accountability ensures delivery. Finally, Mr. President, Rwanda appreciate UN Women's partnership with Rwanda to include the fight against gender based violence and supporting Rwanda to ensure that budget reflects the needs of women and girls at the country level. Thank you very much.


Uganda · President · Godfrey Kawaba [1:56:59]:

I thank the district delegates of Rwanda for their statement and now give the floor to the Russian Federation.


Russian Federation [1:57:10]:

President the Russian Federation supports equality between men and women. Our country is a pioneering one in promoting this agenda and in our country was the first constitutional provision on gender equality. In 1918, Russia was an active participant in the creation of UN Women. This body has a key role to play in achieving gender equality and also assisting in implementing the outcome documents of the fourth Global Summit on Status of Women, including providing assistance to States upon their request and in line with their priorities. We are convinced that improving the status of women cannot be separate from providing assistance to families.

This body needs to pay greater attention to this particular question. President as part of Russia's presidency of the security council in October 2025, we organise an open debate on the 25th anniversary of the Women Peace and Security agenda, which allowed us to review its implementation. We are convinced that assistance to UN women should be focused on promoting women's interest around the whole world without politicization or double standards. It's particularly relevant in the Women Peace and Security agenda. UN women cannot stand, take sides in any particular political agenda or stand on a particular side as part in conflicts.

Including the structure in politicised complaints can undermine its role and authority and call into question its mandate. As part of the UNAT reforms, it's important to pay attention to strengthen the independence and depoliticization of the work of the entire UN and its agencies and this includes UN women. The Russian Federation is ready to support the work of UN women as part of of its mandate documents focused on promoting specific assistance programs to women and families without a political agenda. Thank you very much.


Uganda · President · Godfrey Kawaba [1:59:27]:

I thank the distant delegate of the Russian Federation for their statement and I'll give the floor to New Zealand.


New Zealand [1:59:39]:

Thank you, President. New Zealand is pleased to participate in this first regular session for 2026. We commend you, Executive Director and all UN Women staff for your commitment to advancing gender equality and the rights and well being of women and girls worldwide. As global crises intensify, UN women's mandate remains vital. New Zealand is proud to be a long standing partner of UN women.

We were pleased to confirm recently a new multi year core contribution and reiterate our call for predictable flexible core funding which is essential for enabling UN women to maintain its normative leadership, respond effectively to emerging needs and support country driven efforts. As a Pacific nation, New Zealand underscores the importance of ensuring that New Zealand UN women's work continues to reflect the priorities of Pacific island countries, including enhanced women's leadership, supporting economic resilience, addressing gender based violence and ensuring women and girls are central to climate adaptation and disaster preparedness. The Pacific region faces distinct vulnerabilities and UN women's tailored evidence based interventions are essential to strengthening equity and resilience. New Zealand also emphasises the importance of the UN 80 initiative which represents an opportunity to build a more coherent, efficient and fit for purpose UN development system. We want to stress several key points in this regard.

First, reforms must remain focused on improving system wide coherence and effectiveness, ensuring that gender equality remains central across UN entities. Second, transparency is critical. Member States need clear information on proposed reforms, required decisions and timelines. Third, reforms must be shaped through meaningful consultation with Member States, recognising the diverse context in which the UN operates, including in the Pacific. Fourth, any structural or operational changes must be grounded in rigorous analysis and must not weaken UN women's core normative mandate.

Executive Boards must play a central role in the governance of these reforms. New Zealand looks forward to working with UN women, the Executive Board and fellow Member States to advance gender equality globally. We remain committed to a multilateral system that is inclusive, accountable and fit for purpose and one that delivers real, lasting change for women and girls, including across our Pacific region. I thank you.


Uganda · President · Godfrey Kawaba [2:02:05]:

I thank the District Delegate of New Zealand for their statement and now I give the floor to Japan.


Japan [2:02:13]:

Thank you, Mr. President. At the outset I would like to congratulate Mr. President and the other newly elected Bureau members on assuming its important responsibility for this year. In particular, I wish to express my personal appreciation to the Ambassador of Kyrgyzstan who is sitting next to me taking over the position of Vice President of the APG from me. I assure the new Bureau members of the full support and the cooperation of my delegation throughout the year. I would also like to thank the Executive Director for her comprehensive and informative opening remarks this year.

This past December, we were pleased to have the Executive Director Visit Japan at 1st Next Generation Forum for Gender Equality held in Tokyo. She highlighted the crucial role young generations are expected to play in promoting gender equality under the current complex international situation. Her keynote speech and media engagements delivered a powerful message on the importance of gender gender equality to Japanese society, especially to the younger generations, making the visit highly inspiring and bring it to a success. Mr. President Japan commends UN Women's continuous responses to threats around the world and reaffirms vital role of UN Women's triple mandate Japan will continue to provide both core and non core contributions to UN women to further promote the empowerment of women and girls. Japan has long valued human security and will continue to promote it as a pillar of its foreign policy.

Human security's emphasis on protection and empowerment of individuals is consistent with UN women's efforts toward gender equality and women's empowerment. Therefore, Japan encourages UN Women to further integrate this concept into its activities. Finally, the upcoming CSW will focus on ensuring and strengthening access to justice for all women and girls and addressing structural barriers. Japan looks forward to sharing its own experience alongside UN Women, member states and civil society. I thank you.


Uganda · President · Godfrey Kawaba [2:05:08]:

I hand this delegate to Japan for their statement and I'll give the floor to Chuba


Cuba [2:05:17]:

Senor Presidente President Madam Sima Bahus, Executive Director of UN Women Humanity is in a difficult international context marked by worst conflicts and new forms of aggression against countries of the south, at the same time worsening poverty and we see worsening inequality exclusion of women and girls. This complex snapshot is also made more difficult by attacks to multilateralism and UN Women has been targeted in an unjustified way. When faced with these attacks, we support the work of the entity and we also call for sufficient and flexible and predictable financing for the full implementation of the mandate. For Cuba, women's empowerment is a crucial issue. Those who know our country can testify that Cuban women have never been a passive part of our society.

The Cuban Revolution would not have been possible without the essential contribution of women and girls. The Constitution, the code of the families and our strategy for Prevention and fight against gender based violence provides a modern normative framework that guarantees the full gender equality and empowerment of women. Despite our political will, the social indicators in our country, particularly those that relate to women's rights, have been significantly affected by the blockade of the United States. The accumulative effects of these genocidal policy worsened recently with the intent to impose a total blockade on the provision of fuel to our country have had significant impacts on health, nutrition, education and well being of the Cuban people. And this disproportionately affects women and girls.

To name but one example. Today in Cuba, 32,880 pregnant women are facing additional risks and obstacles during their pregnancy. Essential services for newborn children, young children as well as cancer treatment and emergency surgery are all being seriously affected. How can you explain to a mother whose child is in intensive care at a hospital, how can you explain to her that her child could be in grave danger because of power cut because of a lack of fuel? So despite these massive challenges, we are determined to continue to defend our independence and we are committed to build a better country where women and girls can fully enjoy their rights.


Uganda · President · Godfrey Kawaba [2:08:12]:

Thank you very much. I thank the district delegate of Chuba for their statement and I'll give the floor to Spain.


Spain [2:08:21]:

Muchas gracias, Senor Presidente. Thank you, President. First of all, I would like to thank Executive Director for her briefing.

Spain is very strongly committed to the work of UN women. It's also a priority of ours within the UN system. We have a feminist foreign policy and additionally Spain has adopted a feminist cooperation policy and we work with UN women to create new strategic partnership frameworks.

Spain's feminist cooperation strategy seeks to eliminate all forms of gender based violence and also support women's empowerment and their political participation. And to support sexual reproductive rights of all women and adolescent girls and tackling harmful practices. And we also work to provide better social services and also working on economic and labour rights of women. As part of our partnership that we wish to sign with UN women, there are three strategic women's empowerment, economic empowerment, green jobs and social support and technology. And also fighting violence against women and girls, particularly online and women Polish position in political life, particularly on women peace and security related issues.

In addition to this, we have a cross cutting focus on gender in all the work that we do for development and humanitarian action. And we call for predictable and results focused funding.

In this question where we discussing UN80 and potential merger of UNFPA and UN Women, we are aware that it is important to improve cooperation and coordination between development systems but we should also preserve the unique mandate of UN women and they have normative leadership in coordination work on gender equality and they also have a specific UNFPA also have a specific mandate for sexual reproductive rights. We are also concerned by the risk of diluting mandates and budget cuts which could hinder the capacity of the two entities to have tangible results on the ground in a complex geopolitical situation where we're seeing fallback in rights. Therefore, we need to rigorously examine the different options, including the possibility of strengthening coordination and shared services without necessarily having a structural merger in line without feminist cooperation policy and as part of our strategic partnerships. In the future, we will continue to support UN women as a key partner with flexible funding and close political dialogue so that we can constructively contribute to this debate to ensure that all decisions that will make a real contribution to transforming the lives of women and girls. Thank you.


Uganda · President · Godfrey Kawaba [2:11:31]:

I thank the district delegate of Spain for their statement and now give the floor to Colombia.


Colombia [2:11:40]:

Gracias, Senor Presidente. Thank you very much. President, Colombia congratulates you on your election as president of this Executive Board and we have full confidence in your leadership in order to move forward during this session. We thank TIT Executive Director for her initial remarks which will help guide our discussions. We congratulate the Director on the outcomes achieved by the Board when it comes to institutional solidarity and the undeserved audit opinion.

We also are pleased with your willingness to consolidate governance and oversight, including applying the recommendations from djiu.

We welcome the guidance received to help structure our processes. We also recognize the commitment to an organizational culture coherent with the mandate of UN women based on inclusion, respect for rights and non discrimination, which is essential for the credibility of this body which is in charge of promoting gender equality. We welcome your leadership when it comes to international institutional coordination, especially through the support provided to States to strengthen standards for prevention, protection and repression of gender based violence. We also commend the progress made with regard to guaranteeing comprehensive measures that are focused on women's and victims, rather including in situations involving gender based violence during armed conflict and post conflict periods. We believe it's important for the women to have enough resources to carry out its mandate to consolidate the follow up mechanisms and accountability mechanisms to ensure that these norms are translated into verifiable results on the ground to ensure that the priorities of country programs are maintained.

Colombia reaffirms its commitment to continuing to strive to bring about gender equality in all of its forms for women, teenagers and girls. Women's rights should not be affected by political disputes Nor should they be weaponized in accordance with the political situation. We ought to always respect the obligations made by taken on by states. Sustainable futures are not possible while half of humanity is victim of discrimination, violence and exclusion. Thank you.


Uganda · President · Godfrey Kawaba [2:14:32]:

I thank the distant delegates of Colombia for their statement and I'll give the floor to Norway.


Norway [2:14:40]:

Thank you, President. And thank you, Madam Executive Director, for your leadership and not the least for your remarks here today underscoring both opportunities, but obviously also deep difficult challenges. Much have been said, so allow me just to highlight three points from our side. First, at a time when women's rights and gender equality are facing significant threats, from both financial shortfalls to political shifts and a global rollback of hard wonder human rights, we cannot be passive and we cannot be reactive. These challenges demand collective determination and steadfast leadership from all of us.

UN women place a crucial role in standing firm and pushing back against these pressures, including ideological forces and including the shrinking civic space. We expect UN women's essential leadership in this regard. Second, protecting and promoting women's rights and gender equality is a top priority in Norway's foreign and development policy, both politically and financially. As it remains key for both peace for development and for human rights. Norway wishes to reaffirm our appreciation for UN women's dedication, professionalism and the important results you continuing to deliver.

This is why Norway maintains a high level of core support. Third, Norway firmly supports the Secretary General's UN80 reform initiative. We must all contribute to enabling the UN to deliver system wide and greater impact on the ground. For our part, delivering as one has been a consistent message. President, in a potential merger of UNFPA and UN women, it is essential that their distinct and unique mandates are safeguarded.

We welcome clarity on how these mandates will be preserved. The process ahead must therefore be inclusive. It must be evidence based and it must be transparent. We also want to stress the important role that the boards play in oversight and governance of the funds and programs. We would be grateful if you, Executive Director, could clarify how you view the role of the Executive Boards ahead of a possible decision to merge.

President, Let me conclude by reiterating Norway's strong support for UN women's triple mandate and of course thank both the Executive Director, but also the entire leadership team, and not the least, all the dedicated and committed UN women staff, both capital level and of course, on the ground. Thank you.


Uganda · President · Godfrey Kawaba [2:17:38]:

I thank the District Delegate of Norway for their statement and I'll give the floor to the United Kingdom.


United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland [2:17:47]:

Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the United Kingdom, I thank the Executive Director for Her briefing and continued leadership of UN women. The United Kingdom's commitment to gender equality and the rights of women and girls remains unwavering around the world. Hard won gains in this space are being eroded. Progress against the Sustainable development goals, including SDG 5 has stalled.

Violence against women and girls is an international emergency with rates remaining shockingly high. UN women has a vital role in ensuring that despite this backdrop, we continue to prioritize the needs of women and girls. The organization's mandate to accelerate gender equality, uphold the rights of women and girls and drive normative progress is indispensable, particularly now. We also underscore the vital role of UN women's engagement with women's and civil society organizations and in particular the importance of the UN Trust Fund to end violence against women. We also appreciate UN women's efforts on women, peace and security.

The Secretary General's UN AT initiative offers an opportunity to strengthen how the UN operates. The UK welcomes UN women's engagement with this effort to build a leaner, more coherent and more effective UN system. UN18 must deliver practical, measurable improvements in how the UN works on the ground, improvements that translate into greater impact for women and girls, who too often face the hardest consequences of crises and inequality. For the uk, reform must lead to improvements on the ground. We want to see UN country teams that work more cohesively under a strengthened rc.

Gender equality must be embedded throughout planning, coordination and decision making and not treated as an add on. We recognize UN women's contributions to reform, discussions on regional arrangements and country configurations and encourage UN women to continue shaping these reforms, working closely with other entities to identify opportunities for interagency collaboration, including through common back offices, co location and sharing of expertise. Improved coordination and collaboration could and should reduce duplication, improve gender mainstreaming and deliver better service for women and girls. On the potential merger between UN women and unfpa, we expect mandates to be preserved and the assessment to be evidence based, robust and transparent, with options for both structural and non structural changes. Looking ahead to CSW 70, the UK will continue to defend hard won norms and push for meaningful progress on gender equality.

Finally, Madam Executive Director, we thank UN women's staff delivering in the most challenging places including Gaza, Ukraine and Sudan. Thank you.


Uganda · President · Godfrey Kawaba [2:20:38]:

I thank the District Delegate of the United Kingdom for their statement. I now give the floor to the Kingdom of Morocco.


Morocco [2:20:48]:

The delegation of Morocco wishes to thank you, Mr. President for the opening remarks which have set a constructive tone for this session.

We also extend our best wishes to the members of the Bureau for every success in guiding the work of the Executive Board. We would like to express our appreciation to the Executive Director, Excellency Sima Bahous, for her leadership and tireless efforts in advancing the mandate of UN Women and for her unwavering commitment to promoting gender equality and empowerment of women and girls worldwide. We meet at the time where many women and girls face overlapping crisis and the growing inequalities. In these moments, the work of UN women is not abstract, it is profoundly human. We particularly value the continued focus on accountability and sustainable financing.

Mr. President, the delegation of Morocco also wishes to highlight the Kingdom's long standing commitment to gender equality under the visionary leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI. Since 1999, Morocco has undertaken major reforms, including the 2004 revision of the Family Code, which strengthened women's rights in marriage and family Life, and the 2011 Constitution, which enshrined equality between men and women. In recent years, these efforts have been reinforced through national policies such as the Equality and Party Strategy, the National Action Plan on WPS and the initiatives to expand women's participation in economic, digital and political life. Morocco remains actively engaged in the multilateral sphere, including CSW and other international fora. We believe that progress on gender equality requires global solidarity, dialogue and the sharing of best practices.

Morocco is committed to contributing constructively to collective efforts to empower women and girls worldwide. As this session begins, we reaffirm our strong support for the implementation of the UN Women Strategy Strategic Plan and for efforts to strengthen its presence and effectiveness. Women's leadership, economic empowerment and protection must remain central to our shared agenda. The delegation of Morocco follows the ongoing UNH process with close attention. We underscore that the mandate of UN women must remain fully preserved and respected as it constitutes a central pillar of the United nations efforts to advance gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls worldwide.


Uganda · President · Godfrey Kawaba [2:23:19]:

I thank you. I thank the District Delegate of Morocco for their statement. Now I give the floor to tunisia.


Tunisia [2:23:31]:

Thank you, Mr. President. At the outset, Tunisia thanks you and your team and we congratulate you on presiding over this entity. And Tunisia would like to thank the Presidency of the Executive Board and the Executive Director for her briefing made at the opening of this session. And we reiterate our continued support for UN women in implementing its mandate and enhancing its impact at the national, regional and international levels. Tunisia also values the efforts made by UN women in an international context characterized by multiple and interrelated crises and their asymmetrical repercussions on women and girls, which requires promoting multilateral work and intensifying collective responses.

Mr. President, Tunisia welcomes the focus on strengthening governance and internal control and on internal institutionalizing risk management and we stress the importance of the GIU review of governance and oversight that would enhance institutional coherence and effective functioning of the executive boards. Tunisia stresses that adequate, sustainable and predictable funding for UN women represents a collective commitment to ensure the implementation of its mandate and to strengthen its capacity and to deliver tangible results for women and girls. We also stress the importance of establishing good governance, transparency and accountability frameworks in support of confidence of the member States and the effectiveness of institutional performance. We also stress the importance of an organizational culture in supporting the performance of international organizations and the need to provide a professional environment based on respect, diversity and equal opportunity and to address all forms of discrimination. And we would like in this context to indicate that we are making progress at the national level in implementation of Women peace and security agenda by enhancing women's participation and the alignment national programs here.

We value the visit of the Deputy Executive Director to Tunisia in August. This was a successful visit and we are very happy that UN women is in Tunisia and we reiterate our principal support to UN women and we stand ready to take part in deliberations of this session and all the work of UN women.


Uganda · President · Godfrey Kawaba [2:26:30]:

I think I thank the distinguished delegate of Tunisia for their statement and I'll give the floor to France


France [2:26:41]:

President Executive Director Distinguished colleagues, I'd like to commend the action of UN Women on a daily basis under your leadership, Madam Secretary Director to promote women's gender equality and women's empowerment. Four months after hosting in Paris the Ministerial Conference on Feminist Diplomacy, France reaffirms its full support for the agency's triple mandate and pays tribute to the unwavering commitment of its teams, which under difficult circumstances help it to continue to fulfill its mandate on the ground. In light of growing conflict which have growing consequences for women and girls, our duty is to continue to act.

This is crucial for building peaceful, inclusive societies to benefit all. To address these challenges, France is standing alongside UN Women, for example, to support implementation of the Women Peace and Security agenda in Jordan, protect women and girls against all forms of gender based violence in Myanmar, or strengthen the cyber capacity of Ukrainian women against Russian attacks which have been going for four years now. Protecting women and girls requires a safe online environment. Women and girls are often targets of online violence, especially when it comes to smear campaigns or intimidation, aiming to discourage them from taking part in public life. Through the Laboratory for Women's Rights online, France provides an international platform as well as a project incubator to spread good practices with regard to using digital tools without discrimination or violence.

Executive Director France welcomes and is fully committed to Preparing the next 70th session of the Commission of Status of Women, that is the CSW. This session is a major milestone for reflecting on ways to guarantee access of women and girls to justice to eliminate obstacles that they encounter. France is mobilizing by supporting the International Prosecutors Network focused on investigating sexual violence during conflict which will be launched this year. Fighting impunity of all forms for violence, including sexual violence and gender based violence is a key prerequisite for sustainable development and coexistence. This has taken place in a difficult context.

The UN 80 reform is a historic opportunity to arrive at to strengthen the multilateral system to benefit women and girls, but it also presents challenges with regards to the project of combining UN women and unfpa. France will be vigilant to maintain the integrity of the Agency's mandates in a context in which multilateralism that white women and girls are often being undermined by certain parties. France will be committed to ensure that law remains the cornerstone of the international order. We'll continue to work alongside you, the UN Member states and civil society to protect the rights of women and girls and promote gender equality as well as all its fundamental rights.


Uganda · President · Godfrey Kawaba [2:29:44]:

Thank you France for their statement and I'll give the floor to China


China [2:29:52]:

President we thank Executive Director Beh for her briefing.

China commends UN Women for its work over the past year and looks forward to the Executive Director in leading the UN Women in making a strong start in implementing strategic plan 2023. Women around the world share the same destiny. At present, we still have a long way to go in realizing gender equality with full developmental women facing complex challenges. Last October, China and UN women jointly organized the Global Women's Summit in Beijing, bringing together strong synergies to address the challenges and injecting new momentum in advancing the global cause of women. In promoting international cooperation on women's development, the United nations plays an irreplaceable central role.

With the work of the UN Women becoming ever more important, I wish to make three points. First, China supports UN Women in fully implementing the Strategic Plan 2026-2029, playing an active role in promoting women's economic empowerment, eliminating violence against women and girls, and effectively supporting the priority areas of women's development in developing countries. Second, China is deeply concerned about the resource constraints faced by UN women and calls for sufficient and predictable resources to enable UN women to fulfill its mandate. UN women should also continue to enhance efficiency and resilience and innovate its partnerships and financing mechanisms. Third, China encourages UN women to actively participate in the UN 80 reform process and to continue advancing reforms in a transparent and inclusive manner.

With regard to potential entity mergers, UN women should, at an early stage, submit to the Executive Board an objective assessment of the relevant pros and cons and risks, as well as feasible measures. President China continues to strengthen exchanges in cooperation with UN women and actively participate in global governance in the field of women's development. We stand ready to work with all parties to implement the four proposals put forward by President Xi Jinping at the Global Women's Summit. Jointly foster an enabled environment for women's growth and development. Cultivate strong momentum for high quality development of women's cause.

Build a governance framework that safeguards women's rights and interests so as to write a new chapter in promoting global cooperation on women's development. China will also earnestly deliver on its pledge to contribute US$10 million to UN Women over the next five years and support the work of the UN Women with Concrete action. Thank you, President.


Uganda · President · Godfrey Kawaba [2:32:30]:

I thank the distinguished delegates of China for their statement and I'll give the floor to Mexico.


Mexico [2:32:39]:

Muchas gracias, Senor Presidente.

Thank you, President. At the outset, I would like to welcome Ms. Eleonora Betancourt, the new Union Delegate for our country, representative in our country, and reiterate our willingness to collaborate in a strategic manner with this office. We also are pleased to take part to be part of the Executive Board this year with our first woman President. My country is more aware than ever of the leadership role of women. UN Women as a key partner for sustainable development implementing 2023 Agenda.

We also are grateful for the support of UN Women in strengthening institutional capacity as well as its role in coordinating and creating alliances to promote inclusive development. We also are pleased with UN women's support in holding the regional conference on women in Latin America and the Caribbean. This conference led to the Tlateloco Commitment, which is a document containing proposals to establish a comprehensive care system, strengthening inclusive governance and consolidate public policy with a focus on gender and human rights. We are meeting at a time when there are many global crises, including conflict, climate change, economic instability and democratic regression. Women and girls are the hardest hit by these phenomena in each of these contexts.

Women, however, are leading their organizing communities, supporting economies, defending human rights and building peace.

Therefore, we need a stronger, more cohesive multilateralism than ever before. We support the UN Aiding initiative of the Secretary General. This is an opportunity to take measures to make the UN more effective and to optimize its bodies on the ground. We should carry out an analysis in depth of the proposed reforms while taking into account the progress made and to protect human rights and the rights of women and girls, which must be upheld. There are many programs that support these rights and they must be guaranteed in their integrity.

We cannot allow programs like Women, Peace and Security to be plunged into uncertainty. As part of unad, we support a humanist feminist vision. The success of reforms will be measured in terms of the UN system's capacity to strengthen the rights of women and to move toward gender equality. We are willing to work together with UN women and all member States of the UN to strengthen multilateralism and to turn commitments made into concrete, measurable progress. Thank you.


Uganda · President · Godfrey Kawaba [2:35:36]:

I thank the distinguished delegates of Mexico for their statement. I now give the floor to Vietnam.


Viet Nam [2:35:47]:

Mr. President, my delegation congratulates you and members of the Bureau on your election and assures you of Vietnam's continuous support throughout the term. We also thank Madam Executive Director for her remarks and update on the priorities for the year ahead. Against a backdrop of overlapping crisis, constrained resources and growing demand on the UN system, Vietnam attached great importance to gender equality and the empowerment of women in girls at both drivers and beneficiaries of sustainable inclusive development. We value our strong cooperation with UN women in Vietnam, including its support for broad gender focused programs. From advancing women's participation in STEM to the implementation of our National Action Plan on Women Peace and Security.

We commend UN Women's commitment to deliver on its triple mandate and the new strategic Plan as well as its leadership role in advancing gender equality across the UN system. Over the past 15 years, UN Women has been an important partner in strengthening coordination and coherence across the UN development architecture, including to the delivering S1 initiative in Vietnam. On that basis, we support the UN80 initiative and the ongoing reform efforts to enhance efficiency and strengthen country level delivery. Such efforts should be faced, evidence based and Member State driven, guided by careful assessment of effectiveness, feasibility and impact on mandate and operation, while ensuring that ongoing programs in developing countries are not disrupted. Above all, reform should translate into effective implementation and tangible results on the ground where it matters the most.

Vietnam reaffirms its commitment to continue partnership with UN women and all stakeholders to ensure that no woman or girl is left behind. I thank you.


Uganda · President · Godfrey Kawaba [2:37:58]:

I thank the distinguished Delegate of Vietnam for the statement. I now give the floor to the European Union.


EU [2:38:11]:

President, Executive Director, Excellencies, I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the European Union. As a donor, the European Union has been A steadfast partner of UN women, recognizing its unique contribution in advancing gender equality and women's empowerment worldwide. As we reflect on progress and challenges, we support the UN80 initiative and we reaffirm our commitment to impact and operational effectiveness, ensuring the UN remains fit for purpose in an evolving global landscape. With only four years remaining to achieve the SDGs, progress remains uneven and under threat. In this context, UN Women's mandate is more critical than ever.

From combating gender based violence to promoting women's economic empowerment and political participation, its work is central to achieving the SDGs. In this context, the EU calls for bold strategic action to accelerate change. We'd like to highlight three key messages. First, objectives we support advocacy for gender responsive policies, leveraging expertise to influence governments, multilateral institutions and private sector partners. We also want to ensure that programs reach the most marginalized women and girls, stressing the need for localized, context specific solutions, particularly in fragile and conflict affected settings where gender inequalities are most acute.

The EU Gender Action Plan 3 aligns with this ambition and we have launched together with UN Women joint initiatives that drive systemic change and have been transformative, such as the Spotlight Initiative Wide Women's Leadership and act. We are harnessing the knowledge and experiences gained to inform and enhance our future efforts, ensuring that our work continues to be effective, innovative and impactful. Through the Gender Action Plan 3, the EU was committed to ensuring that at least 85% of all external actions contribute to gender equality and applying a gender transformative approach precisely to address the root causes of gender inequalities. Second, resources Resources are of course essential for success. The EU is pleased to have been a strong financial supporter of UN Women in 2024 and 2025 and we continue to support innovative financing mechanisms, including public private partnerships to mobilize additional resources.

Third, impact reforms must streamline normative and operational functions, foster greater integration on the ground, including through a reset of regional capacities and reconfiguration of UN country teams to optimize expertise, coordination and cost effectiveness. In this context, we strongly support the UN80 initiative which is a unique opportunity to make the UN system resilient, cost efficient, effective and responsive amid decreasing public financing of the international system and the selective disengagement of partners. Regarding a potential merger of UN women and unfpa, we are looking forward to the assessment and would like to stress that the merger and the process leading to it must safeguard the specificities and integrity of their respective mandates, avoid losing any ground on gender equality related issues and ensure continuity of services throughout as we look Ahead, we stand ready to work with the Executive Board, the Secretariat and all partners to safeguard and advance its mission, ensuring no women or girl list left behind. Thank you.


Uganda · President · Godfrey Kawaba [2:41:00]:

I thank the distinguished delegate of the European Union for their statement. With that we have had the last speaker on our list this morning. This juncture, may I invite the Secretariat for any comments?


UN Women · USG Executive Director · Sima Bahous [2:41:29]:

Thank you, Mr. President. And thank you to all ambassadors and delegates for your steadfast support for UN women and to our critical mandate. I heard you loud and clear. I heard your clear support for the implementation of our Strategic Plan and our continued operational excellence and our coordination and normative work. I thank you for that, all of you.

I also would like to thank Her Highness Sheikha Hassan Bin Khalifa Al Khalifa on highlighting the criticality of multi sectoral partnerships and economic empowerment. UN Women is proud to work with the Kingdom of Bahrain and with all of you dear Member States on advancing this and aligning it with your national priorities. Also Uganda, Kyrgyzstan, Albania, Bangladesh, Moldova, Bulgaria, Philippines and many others. You have highlighted important aspects of our work from women peace and security, climate justice, women's leadership and gender responsive budgeting, reflecting the breadth of our work and the reach and impact it has fully aligned to our Strategic Plan. I heard also the many calls for greater economic empowerment.

This too is a main focus of our Strategic Plan. Our new Economic Empowerment strategy focuses on the challenges as well and the solutions of our time, including women and the world of work, the care economy, gender responsive climate and environmental action, sustainable finance and microeconomic policies. So I appreciate all of you who have highlighted the importance of all these issues for women and girls. I also appreciate Korea and Finland for their focus on technology and its facilitated violence against women and girls, also through our Knowledge center in Seyon. This scourge requires all of us, our focus and our attention.

I'm proud that UN Women has developed our first strategy on this on technology facilitated violence to support the implementation of our new strategic Strategic Plan as well. My thanks also go for the strong support to the women peace and security agenda which remains so critical to our work in a world, as you all have highlighted, is increasingly fraught with crises. I thank the Russian Federation for hosting the open debate on women peace and security on the 25th anniversary of the Security Council Council Resolution 1325 last October. I look forward to working with all Member States including Morocco, Tunisia, Colombia, Mexico, Finland and many others in advancing women's voice and leadership in crises. Equally, we all remain committed to the humanitarian reset and a humanitarian system that delivers for women and girls and look forward to working with Australia and many others on this.

I appreciate Spain and others efforts to remain steadfast in a feminist foreign policy and to continue prioritizing this across our development and foreign policy priorities. I also thank Japan, France and the EU and many others who mentioned also for remaining steadfast supportive donors, core and non core partners for UN women. Also, Excellencies, we heard about the criticality of our coordination mandate from Rwanda, from Croatia and others. And working with and through UNCTS and the RC system, we remain committed to continue accompanying the implementation of cooperation frameworks at country level under the leadership of the rcs and the uncts. I also ask here of you to ensure that women's equality remain a national priority and is also reflected as such in the national policies that influence the cooperation framework outcomes.

That is key. Excellencies, I also heard loud and clear from almost all of you your support for the UN 80 initiative and I appreciate your strong commitment to a UN system that delivers for all women and girls, that does not dim the light on gender equality and that strengthens the status quo and bolsters everything we do for women and girls across the UN system. Moldova, Denmark, Sweden, Canada, New Zealand, Norway and many others. You said progress cannot be taken for granted and that any reform must be inclusive. You echoed our concerns on the pushback we are facing and the need to be unwavering in our responses.

Excellencies, your concerns are mine. We cannot emerge from this with a weakened structure and our mandate was critical today as it was 15 years ago, must remains integral and must remain untouched. I look forward to engaging with you this afternoon in more detail, of course, and we move forward in this process together. Finally, my thanks to Norway, the UK and the many others for your support to our staff. They remain our greatest asset and I know your support is as deeply appreciated by them as it is by me.

Excellency, I now hand back the floor to you, but through you I will hand it back to my deds to compliment. And I thank you once more for the strong engagement, all of you, for your support and for your trust in us to deliver on our most crucial mandate for all women and girls. Kersey, may I please.


UN Women · Deputy Executive Director [2:47:59]:

Thank you, Executive Director. Thank you, Mr. President. I believe the Executive Director said all what there is to be said. I only want to sincerely thank you for your support. Your words of support this morning resonate very strongly with all of us here in headquarters in the region and in all of our countries across the world.

Your political support for gender equality, women's empowerment and women's rights and that political support also translated into the financial support and to the collaboration that we are benefiting and enjoying with you, together with our civil society partners, together with our private sector partners is critical. It's more critical now than ever before. So just a very sincere thank you from our side.


Uganda · President · Godfrey Kawaba [2:48:56]:

Thank you. Thank you, Deputy Executive Director, for offering the opportunity to echo a few reflections, just three quick points we had loud and clear on the implementation of the strategic plan and for impact. That has been a very clear message on the expectation of the Board. Secondly, a very clear guidance that you have provided to us on the coordination mandate of UN women and that coordination mandate, including at the country level. We are pleased and are looking forward to the June regular session for which we have adopted and which we saw that item around system wide coordination being on the agenda.

And we also want to echo that. We are looking forward to providing further information tomorrow on HIV when UNAIDS also provides an update from their end. Again, thank you so much for the affirmation of our staff and for ourselves and our teams. We really, really appreciate the Board's duty of care. Thank you.

I thank the Secretariat for that response.

Dear colleagues, as we begin, as we approach the end of this morning's session, I would suggest that we suspend. Stop here, break for lunch. Continue with the informal consultations on draft decisions. Before suspending the morning segment, allow me to give the floor to the Secretary for some quick reminders. Thank you.


UN Women · Secretary · Jalok Boris [2:51:09]:

Thank you very much, Mr. President. Yes, very quick. Just to recall everyone, that as I mentioned this morning, we will resume the negotiations on the draft decision at 1:15 in conference room C. And then we will come back here in this room at 3pm for the agenda item on UNAT. Also, I would like the Bureau to come to the podium. We're going to take a photo, a group photo of the Bureau.


Uganda · President · Godfrey Kawaba [2:51:38]:

Thank you very much, Mr. President. Thank you, Mr. Secretary. The first plenary meeting of the session is here by the Adjunct. See you at 3pm for the continuation of the plenary session.