Statement delivered by H.E. Sergiy Kyslytsya, Vice-President of UN Women Executive Board Bureau, Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the UN at UN Women Executive Board – First Regular Session 2022

Madam President, dear colleagues.

While my delegation aligns itself with the statement delivered by my colleague H.E. Jörundur Valtýsson, Permanent Representative of Iceland on behalf of Nordics and others on this subject, I would like to make this statement in my national capacity.

We join in the hearty congratulations extended to H.E. Madam Sima Sami Bahous on her appointment and anticipate working closely with you in the UN Women Executive Board as we embark on our first regular session of 2022. We have an ambitious agenda to work on together and we are grateful for your commitment to cooperation.

Madam Executive Director,

Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic and climate change related setbacks, we see evidence of advances in gender equality in our country and region.

Over the past year, our region has seen the rise of a compounded security crisis. In addition to earlier still-present challenges, we are facing an escalation of aggression which threatens further to degrade human safety, health, and emotional well-being, as well as environmental and social stability. The situation may devolve into a conflict exacting great human and social costs, including loss of life and waves of refuge-seeking migrants, among which women and children will be the majority.

Along with their increased vulnerability to poverty and violence, the women of our region still suffer from a pronounced gender gap. In particular, strong stereotypes and stubborn paternalism continue to hinder their acceptance into participation within and leadership of decision-making bodies, including high-level negotiations for the building of sustainable peace.

We endorse UN Women’s new Strategic Plan, particularly its triple focus on human rights, intersectionality, and inclusion. We will support you, Madam Executive Director, in all efforts to implement the Strategic Plan across the region as well as in Ukraine.

We believe that gender equality is the key to the transformation of our region as envisioned by the Strategic Plan. Focusing on support for civil society, and especially the women’s rights movements and human rights defenders, is critical for our common future. The impact of the Funding Compact relies not only on the cooperation of the private sector and international financial institutions but also on the full and proactive commitment of men and boys that will be essential to the success of the transformation in our region.

Madam Executive Director,

Now is indeed a very challenging time. We will be tireless in our support, carrying the hope of the transformative power of gender equality and, above all, the full enjoyment of their human rights by women and girls in the unfolding future.

Thank you.