Secretary-General saddened by death of Angela King,

 

Former Special Adviser on advancement of Women

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General was saddened to learn of the death of Angela E.V. King, the former Secretary-General’s Special Adviser on Gender Issues and Advancement of Women.  He extends his condolences to Ms. King’s family.

Angela King led the United Nations’ efforts for the empowerment of women with knowledge, passion and courage as the United Nations worked to translate into practice the Beijing Platform for Action and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women.  A fervent champion of the equality of women and men, and women’s enjoyment of their human rights, she knew that all parts of the United Nations had a responsibility to uphold those principles -- including in the area of peace and security.  Ms. King’s advocacy and partnership with civil society paved the way for the Security Council’s landmark resolution 1325 (2000) on women, peace and security -- the Council’s first recognition of women’s essential role in peacebuilding, peacemaking and peace negotiations.  She was equally committed to championing the cause of women staff members in the United Nations, and their equal opportunities in the workplace.  Her work for gender equality crowned an almost 40-year career with the United Nations, during which she also served as Chief of the United Nations Observer Mission in South Africa at the time of the country’s first democratic, non-racial elections.  She will be mourned with profound affection and respect by many friends and allies around the world.

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For information media • not an official record