General Assembly High Level event on the role of Women, Young People and Civil Society

DAY 1

The General Assembly High Level event, the second in the President of the General Assembly’s Setting the Stage initiative, on the role of Women, Young People and Civil Society was held on 6 and 7 March 2014.  

The programme on the first day comprised an opening session, followed by the general debate with contributions from regional and other groupings and Member States.

Opening session

The event was opened by John Ashe, President of the UN General Assembly, who referred to the broad commitment to equality, inclusiveness and participation. Achieving the future we want requires unprecedented levels of openness and collaboration and this event would focus on how young, women and CS should contribute to goals. He said that having grown up on a Caribbean island, he knew that ‘men bloviate, women dominate’. Not enough progress had been made in implementing the Beijing Platform for Action. While young people are the “guardians of our future” they are suffering from a lack of employment opportunities. The post-2015 development agenda will increasingly have to rely on civil society with its absolutely vital in breaking down policy and programmatic barriers including in education, health, prevention of violence, human rights and gender equality.

He posed the following questions (as included in the Background Paper) to guide the deliberations:

1. What transformative strategies or approaches could effectively overcome the deeply-rooted discrimination that prevents women and girls from both enjoying the full spectrum of their human rights and from living a life free of poverty?
2. What can be done to better equip young people to meet the needs of today's labour market, such as the role of ICTs to support their development, inclusion and full participation in societies?
3. What provisions, policies and measures could most effectively address the high levels of child poverty that are prevalent across many regions and the specific impact of inequalities on children’s survival, growth and development from earliest years of life, in the context of the Post-2015 Development Agenda?
4. How can we improve the operating space so as to ensure civil society make meaningful contributions to the implementation of the Post-2015 Development Agenda?

For full statement see: https://papersmart.unmeetings.org/media2/2173474/statement-by-pga.pdf

Mrs. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, the Executive Director of UN Women (speaking on behalf of the Secretary-General) pointed to the “unfinished business” with regard to gender equality and the empowerment of women. There is a failure to respect the rights of young women. Women do not enjoy equal pay with men and eight hundred women die daily in childbirth and from other pregnancy related causes. She referred to the so-called “early “marriages and the fact that in sub-Saharan Africa 40 billion hours a year are spent by women and girls collecting water. We need bold and radical change. Violence against women and girls affects one in three worldwide.

The Open Working Group (OWG) on Sustainable Development Goals had shown strong support for addressing women’s inequality as a priority and the inclusion of a focus in the SDGs on freedom from violence against women and girls. Men have a high contribution to make in this area. It is also important to reduce the burden of unpaid care work.

She referred specifically to guaranteeing sexual and reproductive health and rights, as well as equal leadership of men and women. The post-2015 agenda has to be as integrated as possible. Targets and indicators should include women and youth and there should be strong accountability mechanisms to monitor progress. We have opportunity to learn from the past. We have the possibility to reduce poverty and inequality sustainably.

Anthony Lake, the UNICEF Executive Director, said that children must be at heart of the post 2015 development agenda as it is “simply right. Right because all children have rights. Every child, in every society, has the right to a fair start in life.” We must invest in the future, including in their social and physical development and in their education, as each year of schooling “can increase potential lifetime income as much as 10 per cent.” Investment in good health and nutrition can also pay dividends in later health care savings. The interest that we share is not only in reaching children, “but in reaching all children, equitably.”

Ahmad Alhendawi, the Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth spoke particularly about youth unemployment, saying that while education is costing more, young people gain less relevant skills. This is not the time for business as usual. There are more than 75 million unemployed young people. Targets and indicators related to youth are needed under education, employment and entrepreneurship, health, governance and peace and security. More investment is required for health, which is particularly important, as young people need to live healthy lives.  Youth friendly services should be available, especially for marginalized youth and young women and girls. He called for a system-wide action plan on youth.

Paul Quintos, of IBON, Philippines, the NGO Major Group Civil Society Representative referred to the burden that women carry as child-bearers, wives and workers, while not being respected as equal rights holders. They suffer the “tyranny of violence inside and outside the home” and are “denied autonomy over their bodies, reproductive choices and life decisions.” In addition millions of youth are “denied decent work opportunities and therefore a life of dignity.”

General debate

In addition to the interventions on behalf of regional and other grouping, a long list of countries contributed to the general debate.

Many countries called for a stand-alone goal on gender equality. Some focused on issues related to the rights of women and girls and others to gender-based violence. A number of countries included references to sexual and reproductive health and rights, with a small number referring specifically to the ICPD Programme of Action.

Many delegations called for access to decent work for young people and the necessary education required for them to be able to get such jobs.  Some countries also addressed issues related to the health of young people and specific issues such as teenage pregnancy.

Civil society was generally viewed as an important partner for the post-2015 development agenda, with some countries also citing the role of academia and the private sector.

Suriname, speaking on behalf of Caricom, referred to a people-centred approach and to gender equality and empowerment of women. The challenge of gender-based violence, particularly domestic violence, should be addressed, as should the burden of unpaid work and unequal opportunities, non-communicable diseases and income inequalities. There is a need for increased funding and sex-disaggregated data. The role of youth is important in the Caribbean. The role of men and boys is particularly important in addressing violence against women.

Latin American and Caribbean states (SELAC) stressed the importance of working hard in the 2^nd phase of OWG. Good governance is required at the national level and there should be adequate implementation and policies stressing both productive and reproductive roles. The post-2015 should tackle inequalities in an efficient manner. Women may also face other forms of discrimination. A youth perspective should be included in decent work etc. Goals and targets should be designed to promote national efforts.  References were made to civil society, academia and the private sector. The need to include ‘in accordance with national legislation’ was also emphasized. Countries in the region supported a stand-alone goal on gender equality and the integration of gender in other goals. Reducing early pregnancy was highlighted as a concern and the needs of small island developing states (SIDS) should be addressed.

Bolivia on behalf of the G77 and China referred to the urgent need to improve and provide better conditions of equality for their people and the active participation of all countries in international legal mechanisms such as resolutions, world conferences and their outcomes, platforms and relevant global agreements such as the SDGs to focalize their work to end in concrete policies. They recognized that the UN platform has not done enough for women and youth that comprise two of the most vulnerable groups. In particular they expressed concern about the increased violence against women and girls. With respect to youth, they should not merely be connected to unemployment in the post-2015 development agenda.

European Union places a strong focus on rights of women and girls, as human rights are the ultimate goal of all development efforts. The EU and Member States are committed to the promotion, protection and fulfillment of all human rights and the full implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action, the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) Programme of Action and the outcomes of their review conferences. He made specific reference to sexual and reproductive health and rights. SRHR. The EU stresses gender equality and women and girls full enjoyment of human rights as a universal priority for the post-2015 development agenda. Themes identified by the EU include promotion of women’s equal participation particularly in decision-making; women’s economic and social empowerment; and elimination and prevention of violence against women and girls.  

There are 1.2 billion young people aged 15-24 with the vast majority in developing countries. They present major challenges for development. Timely action is needed to enhance their capacities and possibilities to participate in society. He referred to high unemployment rates, risky behaviours, violence and crime. The post-2015 development agenda must be built on the voices of the worlds’ young population. The EU reaffirmed continued support for civil society’s engagement in the process as civil society is a key partner for future implementation.

Guyana – favoured a people-centred approach.  Youth leaders should be change agents for good governance.

Kazakhstan – Praised strategies regarding youth and that governments should make all efforts to raise healthy, responsible young people who should, inter alia, enjoy quality health care. Civil society deserves to be recognized as valuable and equal partners.

Bosnia and Herzegovina referred to the difficult economic crisis. With regard to gender equality the CEDAW framework is important and there should be universal ratification. They support the Beijing Platform for Action and the UN in addressing sexual violence in armed conflicts. The role of young people is crucial. Unemployment of young people is a major concern.

Germany spoke about the structural causes of inequalities saying that the post-2015 development agenda needs to address these as well as opportunities. They wished to see a people-centred post-2015 development agenda.  They are committed to gender equality as a human right. It is a goal in itself as well as essential for achieving all goals. Women’s voice should be heard in the decision-making process, productive assets and policies. She drew attention to violence against women and girls and the need to involve men and boys. Young people are key and, in accordance with rights of the child, there should be a commitment to them in the implementation etc of the post-2015 development agenda. In particular health services and social protection should address their needs and there should be protection for girls from violence. CS can play a vital role in development, including as watchdogs. Civil society actors are increasingly important and civil society should participate in international processes as broadly as possible.

Lithuania – supported women’s empowerment and a stand-alone goal on gender equality.

Indonesia – pointed out that there should be an inclusive agenda and that mainstreaming gender perspectives is crucial. Youth is a social group that should be reckoned with and the emerging challenges include the alarming rise in numbers of unemployed youth. There is a need for international cooperation for women and youth including financing such as micro-financing. There should be involvement of civil society, in line with Rio + 20.

Slovenia also speaking on behalf of Austria, Liechtenstein and Switzerland said ‘leave no one behind’ should be included in preparation phase. Gender inequalities are major obstacles and they were therefore pleased to see that the proposal for a stand-alone goal had received such wide support. Equal participation of women is a key issue. There is a need to eliminate discrimination in practice, as well as violence against women. The post-2015 agenda is an agenda for the future, in which youth should play an active role. This required access to high quality education and decent jobs and mechanisms and structures that go beyond just consultation. Civil society has an active part to play in sustainable development

Norway, speaking on behalf of the Nordic countries stressed that need for strong agents of change at all levels and that important groups need to be listened to and to participate (including LGBT). The post-2015 development agenda must be owned by both Government and its people. High priority should be placed on young people as they deserve inclusion in their futures. Societies will not develop if the talents of half the population remain untapped. More than ½ countries support a stand-alone goal, as well as ensuring that gender permeates the whole of the agenda. Issues to be included are access to decision-making; equal access to productive jobs; violence against women; respecting and protecting the sexual and reproductive rights of all individuals including access to sexual and reproductive health services. Educating girls, empowerment and human rights is the right thing to do and the smart thing to do.

Benin, on behalf of the least developed countries (LDCs) said that they attach importance to gender equality and women’s empowerment, which are central to the development goals and MDGs. Rio + 20 recognizes gender equality and affirms that them as drivers for development. There are large and growing youth pop in LDCs who require access to higher education and health care services. Formal and non-formal education should be available. The outcomes of the 2011 high-level meeting of youth should be taken into account. They recognize the critical role that civil society plays.

Canada also addressed youth and civil society and called for the meaningful inclusion of all actors.

Namibia – Women and girls have contributed and youth and civil society have been vocal. There has a been a struggle on some MDGs. They highlighted the fight against gender–based violence and teenage pregnancy. In Namibia more than 20% of budget goes to education. Civil society has a major role to play in the post -2015 development agenda. While women, youth and civil society should all be included, Governments are core implementers.

China associated itself with the G77 statement. The overall objectives for the event provided a basis of assessment of current situation and eradicating poverty. Efforts should be made to avoid overloading agenda. China supports efforts for inclusive growth, as well as social equity and justice. Women’s issues should be important post-2015 and they support a stand-alone goal. There is a need to address challenges to women in the context of the 20^th anniversary of Beijing. Young people are an important force for social stability and economic growth. Promotion of employment for them is however important.  Civil society should contribute within rules of procedure of General Assembly, as Member States are main implementers.

Australia drew attention to the empowerment of women and girls as a goal. They also support integration. There is a need to ensure availability of health services that address sexual and reproductive rights and sexual and reproductive health and early marriage. As far as illiterate women are concerned, there has been a lack of change in numbers in past 20 years.

Italy spoke particularly about the private sector in context of Busan and Rio + 20. The sustainable development framework should include a new paradigm, for which gender equality, youth and civil society are integral parts. They support a stand-alone goal.

United Kingdom referred to the High Level Panel Report, including the need for disaggregated data and for the creation of a data revolution. The post-2015 framework must include girls and women, as cornerstones in the context of a stand-alone goal and also mainstreaming. Young peoples’ views should be reflected. The post-2015 development agenda should promote accountable and effective institutions. In the context of civil society he referred to the My World Survey and stressed the importance of the role of civil society.

Malaysia made reference to sexual and reproductive health. They are committed to eliminating violence against women and girls. They referred to youth in the context of employment, social inclusion, education and rights.

Qatar called for special attention to youth sector, making special reference to graduates and the importance of unlocking their potential.

Thailand – All three groups – women, youth and civil society are agents of positive change and contributors to sustain development. They support a stand-alone goal, as well as integration of women’s empowerment across other goals. Violence against women and girls should be eliminated. They also drew attention to affordability and to the national consultations that had been held.

El Salvador said that there is a need to end violence against women and children. Indicators must be designed for empowerment and a life free from violence. They made an appeal for attention to the issue of youth as it is more complex. They should be able to work and live their lives are free from drugs and violence. Civil society should work within national parameters.

United States of America stressed that women, girls and youth should be at the heart of our work, as they are vital agents of change. Civil society should be full partners. One woman in three suffers gender-based violence. They support a stand-alone goal and integration. Women should have access to quality education, the elimination of gender-based violence, and sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights. Youth include those who are most marginalized – adolescent girls, the disabled and LGBT youth. The voice of civil society should be preserved and expanded.

Argentina drew attention to youth unemployment rates and their lack of access to education, particularly indigenous young people.  Teenage pregnancy is a problem in 15-19 year-olds, particularly among rural and indigenous girls and lesser-educated women. Since 2003 5 million jobs have been created, with 50% going to young people. The empowerment of women should be gender specific, while cross cutting.  Specific areas should include sexual and reproductive health, and violence against women should be addressed. Gender violence should be a specific goal. They support broad and transparent civil society participation.

Ireland supports a stand-alone goal as well as mainstreaming, with effective participation at all levels for women and girls. The post-2015 development agenda should also address children and young people, particularly their health care and decent work opportunities.  Child stunting, low birth weight, literacy and numeracy through complete primary and lower secondary education should also be included and in this respect Ireland supports goals on education and employment. A vibrant civil society is important and goals and targets should go to the core of civil society space.

Mexico said that youth has a strategic role to play. There is a need for an inter-cultural focus. Sexual and reproductive rights should be addressed in the post-2015 development agenda and there should be, as a specific objective, a goal on youth as suggested by UNFPA.

Honduras noted that some adolescents are vulnerable. They sought a reduction in violence against women and in femicide. Many young people had left the country to find better lives. This had an element of risk. There is a need to ensure decent work.

Cuba said that young people should be strategic players in sustainable development. The post-2015 development agenda should address social equality and empowerment of women. The new objectives should build on ICPD and Beijing that remain in effect and must be used as a framework for moving forward. Sexual and reproductive rights must be ensured for women. The post-2015 development agenda must fully incorporate a gender perspective. They support eliminating inequalities, which should be a goal.

Croatia believes that gender inequality is still the most pervasive form of inequality. They support a stand-alone goal with a focus on violence, access to education. It should also be mainstreamed into other areas, including health. Youth should be a sub-theme in all the sustainable development goals, as young people will be the ones fulfilling them.

Sri Lanka stressed that we must listen to the voices of youth, and address their concerns, not only unemployment.

Brazil pointed out that young people are not allowed to make decisions about their sexual and reproductive health.  Gender inequality should be addressed using a rights-based approach. Gender-based social inclusion programmes are important. The majority of young people live in developing countries. It is important to work on the basis of the three integrated pillars of Rio+20 document. In addressing gender inequality it must be recognized that combatting inequality is linked to poverty eradication. They support a stand-alone goal as well as women’s empowerment as a cross-cutting issue. They are ready to look at targets and indicators.

India pointed out their participatory approach to Government, with 33% of seats for women in rural areas. There is a need to upscale investments in education and health. The ability of youth to take risks can lead to better outcomes. They stressed the role of ICT and social media.

Uruguay supports a stand-alone goal that takes up rights and empowerment of women that recognizes their unpaid work and ensures access to finance and banking. Health services should be addressed including sexual and reproductive health and violence against women eradicated. With regard to young people, they take a priority place. Civil society and academia have a crucial role to play and the rich contribution of civil society should be recognized and utilized.

Bangladesh noted improvements in girls’ enrolment in education, although generally progress has been uneven. The representation of women in decision-making remains still very low and they agreed there was a need to continue a focus on gender empowerment in the post-2015 development agenda. Civil society has an important role to play in advancing the global agenda and there should be a strong partnership in working on MDGs. They have been thoroughly involved in post-2015 development in Bangladesh and will have a role in implementation.

Nicaragua supports a stand-alone goal on gender equality as well as its inclusion as a cross cutting issue.

Pakistan referred to lessons learned, saying that the MDG agenda was not broad enough. Gender-based violence should be included in the post-2015 development agenda. Safe transport should be provided for women joining the workforce. Pakistani women support a stand-alone goal. There should be a focus on health and education of children. There could be a youth dividend if young people are skilled, healthy and educated and the voices of young business actors and entrepreneurs should be heard. The involvement of civil society in implementation should be localized.

Turkey – There should be a transformative stand-alone goal as well as gender mainstreaming. In addition there should be strong collaboration with civil society particularly women’s stakeholders forums. As far as violence against women is concerned, Turkey is taking a leading role in Europe. The post-2015 development agenda should win the fight against poverty and discrimination.

Montenegro favours a rights-based approach with strong focus on empowerment of women and violence against women. They support a stand-alone gender goal and gender targets and indicators integrated across others. They support sexual and reproductive health and rights particularly for young girls.

Zimbabwe pointed to the need for the eradication of poverty and creation of decent work. Education and empowerment of women are essential for gender equality, as well as access to literacy and skills training. Special attention should be paid to equal access to means of production, eg land and access to credit, and to land reform. Youth need for meaningful economic activities and innovative solutions are required. This is the time to look into transformation of economic models. Unemployed, uneducated youth can provide a hotbed for social unrest in many countries. He referred to the role of families as well as empowerment of women being addressed as an economic development issue.

Chile is committed to the protection of human rights of women. Domestic violence is a priority area with femicide being codified. Youth, NGOs and civil society have a role in implementing public policy. They stressed the importance of women’s rights and gender perspective in eradicating poverty, and the call for progress in the comprehensive participation of women.

Further information and also other interventions are available here.