UNIFEM welcomes the unanimous strong support for the consolidation of the UN gender-specific bodies, underscored by the UN General Assembly resolution endorsed today (A/RES/63/311). This is an important step towards addressing the gaps and challenges in the existing UN gender architecture. Effecting the consolidation will strengthen the effectiveness of the UN System, including UNIFEM, in advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment.

During the upcoming 64th session of the General Assembly, UNIFEM, with the leadership of the Secretary-General, will do its utmost to contribute to the comprehensive proposal requested by Member States in paragraph 3 of the resolution, including the mission statement of the composite entity, organizational arrangements, funding and the executive board to oversee operational activities.

Given the extensive consultations on the structure and operational modalities of the gender entity that have taken place in the past three years, UNIFEM trusts that deliberations can resume soon to ensure an informed and swift establishment of the composite entity.