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UNFPA discusses MDG3 at model UN session

GENEVA - Alanna Armitage, the new Director of the UNFPA Office in Geneva, spoke to an audience of engaged and committed young students as part of the Model Global UN, which took place in Geneva on 5-7 August 2009.

Students listened as representatives of a number of United Nations agencies - FAO, UNDP, UNEP, UNICEF and WHO, in addition to UNFPA - explained the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

“The fact that gender equality and empowering women is one of the MDGs show just how indispensible gender equality is for advancing development and poverty reduction,” said Ms Armitage, explaining MDG 3 on gender equality and empowering women. She highlighted remaining challenges including reducing gender disparities in schools, jobs and increasing the political participation of women. For example, she noted that of the 192 heads of UN member states, only eight were women.

She raised the issue of violence against women, highlighted by the United Nations Secretary-General’s campaign, Unite to End Violence Against Women, and reminded the young audience that gender goes beyond women.“Working in partnership with men and boys is essential to achieving gender equality on all fronts, and can influence all of the other MDGs both directly and indirectly,” Ms Armitage added.

Empowered women at all levels contribute to the health and productivity of families, communities and nations, she concluded, urging those present to raise their voice and call on their respective countries to achieve MDG 3, along with the other MDGs.

The Global Model UN (GMUN), entitled The Millennium Development Goals: Lifting the Bottom Billion out of Poverty, was the first ever Global Model UN conference. It aimed to simulate the work of the General Assembly and its committees and involved university students from around the world.