A blog by SI UN Representative, Marie D’Amato-Rizzi

“The 73^rd meeting of the United Nations General Assembly was begun by its President, Maria Fernanda Espinosa Garces of Ecuador. As only the fourth woman to hold this position since the founding of the United Nations, she noted that this should encourage women and girls.

Photo: President, Maria Fernanda Espinosa Garces of Ecuador

President, Maria began her remarks by saying that she is assuming her role with a “profound sense of responsibility” and that it is necessary to go beyond political and government agendas.  This is the work of all 193 member states.  She noted that, while much has been accomplished, there are still many challenges ahead.  Stressing the importance of connecting our peoples to the daily work at the UN, President, Maria underlined the need to have people at the national level as allies.  “People must feel like what is discussed in these halls will impact their daily lives.”

These remarks hit home for me.  As SI NGO Representatives at the UN, we have access to current information on the important issues of the day and we work to advocate with member states on behalf of women’s issues.  But, how best can we communicate these issues to our SI membership so that they can encourage their governments to implement the agreements and resolutions formulated at the UN?  As the President of the General Assembly said, it is important to have those at a local level as advocacy allies.  To this end, Ms. Espinosa is giving the highest priority to Communication during the 73^rd session.

Before closing, she outlined seven top priorities of her Presidency:

• Gender equality and empowering women and girls
• Promoting and implementing a new global compact on migration
• Provide opportunities for decent work for youth, women, and persons with disabilities
• Focus more on the environment
• Improve and strengthen the political and social commitment to persons with disabilities
• Revitalize the United Nations
• Peace and security

Links: Statement by H.E. Mrs. María Fernanda Espinosa Garcés, President of the 73^rd Session of the UN General Assembly

Link to the speech at UNWEBTV