Message on United Nations Day

Today, on the 60th anniversary of the United Nations, we can look back and feel good about certain accomplishments. Looking forward, we see there is still much to do.

We must do more to protect the environment and natural resources on which all life depends. We must do more to allow people to live in dignity with the means, freedom and opportunities they need to improve their own lives. We must do more to advance peace and human security.

The poverty and disease that confront millions of people challenges all of us to address issues of inequality and promote human rights.

Today, massive and systematic violations of human rights are routinely committed against women and girls, including migrant women, whose numbers are increasing.

We cannot make poverty history until we make discrimination and violence against women history.

Last month, world leaders met in New York for the 2005 World Summit. They proclaimed that progress for women is progress for all. Out of many recommendations, they committed themselves to achieving universal access to reproductive health by 2015.

They recognized that these services for family planning, the prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted infections and sexual violence, and safe motherhood are necessary for many reasons. Most importantly, they reduce poverty, save lives and combat the spread of HIV/AIDS.

Reproductive health is a human right, which is vital to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals, and the larger peace, security and development agenda.

If the last 60 years have taught us anything, it is that investing in women and girls is one of the best investments governments can make.