Bachelet celebrates Gratitude & Salutations, on her “stellar legacy.”

SECRETARY-GENERAL PRAISES ‘VISIONARY’ LEADERSHIP OF MICHELLE BACHELET,

FOLLOWING ANNOUNCEMENT BY UN-WOMEN CHIEF OF DEPARTURE

 
The following is UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s statement on the announcement by Michelle Bachelet of her departure as Executive Director of the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN-Women):

“Ms. Michelle Bachelet has informed me of her intention to step down as Executive Director of UN-Women. I would like to express my tremendous gratitude for her outstanding service.

Michelle Bachelet was the right person in the right job at the right time. Her ‘visionary leadership‘ gave UN-Women the dynamic start it needed.

Her fearlessness in advocating for women’s rights raised the global profile of this key issue. Her drive and compassion enabled her to mobilize and make a difference for millions of people across the world.

Her record of achievement includes new steps to protect women and girls from violence, new advances on health, and a new understanding that women’s empowerment must be at the core of all we do at the United Nations.
 
 
This is a stellar legacy, and I am determined to build on it.

I thank Ms. Bachelet for her contributions and wish her every success as she embarks on the next chapter in her extraordinary life. She will always have a home at the United Nations, and I am confident that she will continue to advance our shared goals for a better future.”
 

The head of UN Women, the United Nations entity for gender equality and women’s empowerment, has informed the Secretary-General of her intention to step down.

Michelle Bachelet, the former President of Chile and a longtime champion of women’s rights, has served as the Executive Director of UN Women since it was established in July 2010.

In a statement on Friday, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon expressed his gratitude and thanks to Ms. Bachelet, calling her “the right person in the right job at the right time.”

He said her achievements include new steps to protect women and girls from violence, and a new understanding that women’s empowerment must be at the core of the UN’s work.

Mr. Ban said he is determined to build on this “stellar legacy.”

UN Radio News-Bachelet – Dianne Penn, United Nations.

 

SECRETARY-GENERAL WELCOMES CONCLUSION OF ‘HISTORIC’ SESSION OF WOMEN’S COMMISSION, URGES ACTION TO PREVENT, END ALL GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE

 
The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

“The Secretary-General welcomes the outcome of the fifty-seventh session of the Commission on the Status of Women and the agreement reached on the prevention and elimination of all forms of violence against women and girls. He commends the leadership of United Nations Member States to take action to prevent violence and provide justice and services to survivors.

The Secretary-General thanks all participants, including representatives of Governments, intergovernmental organizations, civil society and colleagues of the United Nations. He expresses special appreciation to UN-Women and Executive Director Michelle Bachelet for their strong support to the Commission to ensure a successful outcome.

Violence against Women is a heinous human rights violation, global menace, a public health threat and a moral outrage. No matter where she lives, no matter what her culture, no matter what her society, every woman and girl is entitled to live free of fear. She has the universal human right to be free from all forms of violence so as to fulfil her full potential and dreams for the future.

States have a corresponding responsibility to turn that right into reality. The Secretary-General hopes that all the partners who came together at this historic session and others around the world will now translate this agreement into concrete action to prevent and end violence against women and girls. The United Nations system is fully committed to leading this global effort.”