It’s a great feeling when people in high places share our worldview.
In recent public comments, Ban Ki-moon, Secretary General of the UN stressed the importance of empowering women and youth, especially those at the center of protest movements worldwide.
At a lecture in Vienna, Ban told attendees that women and young people are mobilizing positive change in important events such as at Egypt’s Tahrir Square last year and in the fight for democracy throughout the Arab world. They’ve also been key at Occupy Wall Street, in Puerta del Sol [Madrid], and at protests in Greece.
Ban emphasized the importance of boosting women’s opportunities to assume decision-making and entrepreneurial roles. He said it’s imperative to include more women in corporate boards of large and dynamic companies. In particular, Ban called for greater women’s representation in parliaments. Regarding youth, he says there’s a need to address the unemployment rate which young people are facing, which is causing unrest in many countries.
Ban urged UN member states and international organizations to focus on young people and women, to give them a voice in governments and create programs that address their needs.
We couldn’t agree more Mr. Ban.
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