The Consultation Day is always a full day, and this one included greetings from Soon-Young Yoon, Chair of the NGO Committe on the Status of Women, and a very powerful speech by Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, the Executive Director, UN Women. We were treated to a special African Dance, with rousing music that made us all want to join in.
The panel that followed on Cities for Sustainable Development and Women's Human Rights included brief presentations by outstanding speakers, including Niclole Ameline, Chair of CEDAW, and Eleanor Blomstrom, Program Director for WEDO.
Panelists emphasized how important cities are to sustainable development, and climate change, due to the use of resources, and carbon emissions. Women's rights too are directly related to building sustainable cities, that are inclusive, and accessible. We need women to help with this transformational future we need.
After lunch we were treated to an outstanding young poet, who recited her poem which was well received and reflected the voices of young women. Ramya Ramana has won several awards, and we could all see why!
Next we had most interesting panel presentation and discussions. Charlotte Bunch talked about the history of the global women's movement in the 70's, how women came together, and with the Linkages Caucus, built working relationships. But now, as the speaker stated, women are part of everything, be it the economy, health, sustainable development, peace. What followed was another panel, which included youth, who talked about what do we want from Beijing +20. Again strategies included how to build networks and coalitions, a wonderful young woman, and Analisa Balares, CEO of Womenspere, who is providing scholarships to young women in Science, Technology and Engineering.
Everyone received the NGO Handbook, and indeed this year, it is very clear and well put together. Congratulations NGO Committee!
--Mary Scott
No comments:
Post a Comment