Anniversary Gala« back

Welcoming Message

UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan & Mrs Nane Annan
In the course of three decades, UNIFEM's efforts in more than 100 countries, from Liberia to Afghanistan, have touched the lives of countless women. UNIFEM has helped raise awareness of gender-based violence, and helped women speak up against it. It has promoted women's political participation, and worked for their economic empowerment. It played a key role in the passage of Security Council resolution 1325, which placed firmly on the agenda the needs of women in societies in armed conflict, while creating a political framework for women's role in peace-building. Tonight, we join women around the world in offering thanks and best wishes to UNIFEM on its 30th anniversary.