Ávarp á Women Political Leaders Annual Summit
Harpa, Reykjavik
29 November 2017
President Guðni Th. Jóhannesson, former President Vigdís Finnbogadóttir, Excellencies, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
It is an honour to be with you today and an honour for Iceland that you have chosen to gather here in Iceland this year.
Over the last few decades women have become more empowered and progress towards gender equality in the world cannot be ignored. Nevertheless, we have a long way to go. If we want to see a gender equal world by the year 2030, we really must roll up our sleeves and get to work.
A couple of years ago, world leaders agreed to a new agenda, Agenda 2030 and the Global Goals. It provides a blueprint for how we can work together for a sustainable future and right now, all of our countries are hard at work figuring out how to implement those goals.
I mention this here because all of you hold a position of power and influence in your countries. The equal participation of women at all levels, the respect for women‘s human rights and the empowerment of women will be fundamental to our success in reaching all the other goals. Because half of our human resources are women, who given the opportunity will make our societies wealthier, healthier and better in every way.
When I make the case for gender equality in the international arena, I always point to how it benefits us men. Men in gender equal societies tend to live longer and such societies are both more prosperous and more peaceful. This resonates with all men, because we all want to live a long peaceful life.
It has been our fortune, here in Iceland, that increased respect for women‘s human rights and their economic participation has contributed in a meaningful way to social and economic development. The world has taken note of Iceland‘s leadership in the field of gender equality. We have many brave women to thank for our progress but in my mind, our former President, Ms. Vigdís Finnbogadottir, is first among equals. Her historic election marked a milestone for gender equality in Iceland.
She won the hearts and minds of all Icelanders, men and women, young and old. She showed all of us that women can lead a country – and believe me, there were many sceptics at the time of her election.
It is therefore fitting that she is will receive a special award here today.
I would like to congratulate Ms. Hanna Birna Kristjánsdóttir and the Women Political Leaders organization on making this summit a reality and all of you for making the effort to come all the way to Iceland to participate in this important meeting.
I wish you a productive meeting and I hope to see you in Iceland again someday.
Efnisorð
Heimsmarkmiðin
