Investing in Female Well-Being Central to Success of 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, Secretary-General Tells ‘Women Deliver Conference 2016’

Following is the text of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s video message to the “Women Deliver Conference 2016”, in Copenhagen today:

Dear friends, colleagues and advocates for women and girls, I congratulate you on an inspiring three days in Copenhagen.

The “Women Deliver Conference” is timely and important.  Investing in the health, rights and well-being of women and girls is central to the success of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

It is not just the right thing to do.  It will unlock untapped potential and spur growth that will benefit all.

The Every Woman, Every Child Global Strategy for Women’s, Children’s and Adolescents’ Health can help us achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).  By focusing on solutions and on how we can make the SDGs deliver for girls and women, you have given us a head start.

It is time to put women and girls at the heart of development.  Women and girls are a force for progress, sustainability and peace.  I count on you to keep the momentum going.

Now is the time to deliver for girls and women.  Now is the time to deliver for good.