Ottawa, Ontario – The Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of International Cooperation, represented Canada today at the United Nations Security Council Open Debate on Women, Peace, and Security.
Minister Oda delivered the Canadian statement that outlined Canada's commitment to the Women, Peace, and Security agenda, and confirmed funding support for the newly created United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women, also known as UN Women.
"Canada continues to work with the UN to ensure a more powerful voice for women's issues at the UN. We are encouraged by the steps the UN is taking to achieve meaningful results for all women," Minister Oda said. "Under the leadership of Dr. Michelle Bachelet as the new Under-Secretary-General for UN Women, with her long-standing record of advancing equality between women and men, the realization of the rights of women and their full potential will certainly be advanced."
The Canadian International Development Agency will provide $10 million to UN Women. The organization was created by a unanimous vote at the UN on July 2, 2010. It will ensure a more powerful voice for women's issues, contribute to equality between men and women, and lead to a more coordinated and effective response across the UN and its Member States. The new entity will become operational on January 1, 2011.
Minister Oda reaffirmed Canada's support for the Women, Peace, and Security agenda of the United Nations and outlined Canada's plan to implement UN Resolution 1325.
Canada's action plan and support for UN Women announced today will help address the challenges faced by women, including domestic violence against women, and women in conflict situations, and demonstrates Canada's continued commitment to the well-being of women and their children.
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Information:
Jessica Fletcher
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of International Cooperation
Telephone: 819-953-6238
