| dc.description.abstract | The goal of gender parity
at all levels in the UN is a
commitment that is now two
decades old, and is reflective
of core values that are as old
as the Organization itself.
In the intervening years there has been no
shortage of policies, reports and recommendations
to further this goal; yet implementation
has been hampered in the main
by a lack of sustained political will and
accountability, absence of accompanying
measures and enabling conditions for real
reform, and resistance at different moments
from key stakeholders. While fundamentally
a right, parity is increasingly necessary to
the UN’s efficiency, impact and credibility.
Greater diversity is directly correlated in
both public and private sectors with significant
gains in operational effectiveness
and efficiency. This is particularly important
as the UN is being asked to do more
with less while increasing impact in all quarters.
Across the three pillars, the impact of
an inclusive workforce on the UN’s ability
to deliver on its mandates is clear. In the
area of development, research shows that
bringing more women into the labor force
would unlock trillions of dollars for developing
economies. In human rights, there is no
greater protection mechanism for women’s
rights than empowerment. And in peace and
security women’s meaningful participation
has a direct impact on the sustainability of
peace, an assertion that is now quantifiable.1
Moreover, for the UN, parity is critical to its
credibility as a standard bearer, is an imperative
requested by Member States and is
reflected in a number of GA resolutions. | en_US |
