The high-level debate will focus on how to accelerate the implementation of the Sustainable Development Agenda. Last year, world leaders set forth 17 sustainable goals to eradicate poverty and hunger worldwide, ensure quality education and health care, achieve gender equality, fight climate change, promote economic growth, and provide access to modern and reliable energy for all the people by 2013.
According to the President, poverty, violation of human rights, lack of economic and education opportunities are challenges that go beyond national borders. Their consequences – expanding radicalism, growing terrorist threats, refugee crisis – are felt by all the countries around the world. By ensuring sustainable global development, helping the neediest, enhancing the protection of human rights, and reducing inequality we are building a more secure future for ourselves too.
In her address to the UN General Assembly, Dalia Grybauskaitė will underline that the success of sustainable global development irrevocably depends on improving the situation of women around the world. She will draw international attention to the fact that poverty and hunger affect women the most. The President will highlight the need to protect women from violence, provide them with access to education, and ensure their involvement in making decisions on key political and economic issues.
The President, who also chairs the Council of Women World Leaders, will host a high-level discussion on the economic cost of violence against women aimed at drawing international attention to the actual price of gender-based violence. Taking part in the event will be the Presidents of Chile, Croatia, Malta, President of the World Bank, Secretary-General of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, Director-General of the World Health Organization, other leaders of international organizations, members of the academic community, and prominent guests.
According to various estimates, women who suffer violence earn 35 percent less, while the world economy annually loses around two percent of GDP because of disabling injuries and ill-health, lost education and work opportunities, legal, social and medical expenses .
In New York, Dalia Grybauskaitė will be presented with the Person of the Year Award from the Museum of Lithuanian Culture – founded by Stanley Balzek – for her contribution to promoting the Lithuanian identity and culture.
