In 2021, Guyana was elected to the Executive Board of UN Women - the United Nations entity dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls. The Board is currently holding its first Session for 2022.

In remarks during the opening segment, Guyana's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett congratulated the newly elected President of the Board and other members of the Bureau, and welcomed new Executive Director of UN Women, Ms. Sima Sami Bahous. Ambassador Rodrigues-Birkett said -

"A global champion for women and girls, UN Women may be one of the youngest bodies of the United Nations, but its impact has been substantial. Nevertheless, The Gender Snapshot 2021 – Progress on the Sustainable Development Goals- indicates that there is still much to be done.

Gender inequality remains deep-rooted in most of our world and violence against women continue unabated in many places. Goals such as women’s equal participation in decision-making and leadership remain elusive in most countries. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic, conflict and climate events continue to reverse some of the progress made in expanding women’s rights and opportunities.

In this regard, the Sessions of the Executive Board provide an important opportunity for member States to be updated on the achievements of UN Women, to review its operational activities and to collectively consider what further measures are required and whether to take new approaches on some issues.

As we continue to mobilize globally to end violence and discrimination against women and girls, it is essential that we measure the progress that we have made in achieving those objectives and examine the reasons for our shortfalls. Data collection and analysis must be at the center of all efforts.

I endorse the point made by our Executive Director that there needs to be greater two-way dialogue between UN Women and programme countries. As recognized in resolution 64/ 286 by which the General Assembly established UN Women, there cannot be a one size fits all approach towards achieving gender quality and empowerment of women and girls.

Each of our countries have unique social, cultural, economic and political realities and these must be considered by UN Women in designing and implementing country programmes. Our ultimate goal is the same but the paths toward it may be varied.

At a time when developing countries are confronting major challenges, coordinated and cohesive partnerships with expert Agencies like UN Women is critical.

In Guyana, UN Women continues to collaborate on several projects, particularly on gender-based violence. We look forward to UN Women strengthened operations in the field as we seek to deepen our national engagement.

I extend good wishes to the Bureau and colleague members of the Executive Board for a successful Session, and indeed, to the entire UN Women team.