UN-LD WOMEN 2 LST

"Our decision here today also takes a step towards
restoring the faith of those Member States, including mine,
who often regard the UN as an anachronistic body resistant to
organisational reform and innovation. We, of course, hope that
it creates a momentum for much-needed reform in other areas as
well," Kaur said.
Pledging India's full support to UN Women, Kaur said: "We
urge early operationalisation of the entity so that the
international community can work with renewed vigour and
commitment for gender equality and the empowerment of women."
UN Women is set to have an annual budget of at
least USD 500 million - double the current combined resources
of the four agencies it will comprise.
"Today's action (of UNGA) will do more than simply
consolidate United Nations offices," Deputy Secretary General
Asha-Rose Migiro said.
"It will consolidate the United Nations strengths,"
she said, noting that while the UN has made significant
strides, it has also faced serious challenges such as
inadequate funding and fragmentation.
One of the main goals of the UN Women will be to support
the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) and other
inter-governmental bodies in devising policies.
The new body will also aim to help Member States
implement standards, provide technical and financial support
to countries which request it and forge partnerships with
civil society.
Within the UN, it will hold the world body accountable
for its own commitments on gender equality.
"UN Women will give women and girls the strong, unified
voice they deserve on the world stage," Migiro said, calling
its establishment a "positive and exciting moment" for the
entire UN family.
Set to be based in New York, UN Women will be headed
by an Under-Secretary General, to be appointed by Ban.
The UN, said General Assembly President Ali Treki, is
"uniquely placed" to take the leading role on the issue of
promoting women's rights, expressing his delight at the
creation of UN Women. PTI LKJ
MRD


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