Excellencies,

Madame Executive Director,

I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the European Union as a donor.

Let me begin by expressing my gratitude to the Executive Director of UN Women, Ms Sima Bahous, and her dedicated staff for their hard work. Under Ms. Bahous' leadership, UN-Women has continued to advance gender equality and empower women worldwide.

In the current global context, UN Women plays an indispensable role in advancing gender equality, championing initiatives that have significantly improved the lives of countless women and girls, particularly in conflict and post-conflict scenarios. Their work offers hope and crucial support where it is most needed, driving progress, resilience, and peace and security efforts.

As we look ahead to UN-Women’s Strategic Plan for 2026-2029, the European Union supports the organisation's forward-thinking and adaptive approach, not only aiming at enhancing women's leadership and decision-making, but also striving to promote economic empowerment and foster resilient economies where women benefit equally. Initiatives boosting access to information, resources and services, while preventing and eliminating sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) both online and offline are crucial as well. 

Amid growing resistance to gender equality principles, and in line with our Gender Action Plan 3, the EU remains committed to promoting and intensifying efforts toward gender equality, ensuring full enjoyment of human rights by all women and girls, contributing to their empowerment. An ambitious and transformative approach is essential to address the root causes of gender disparity, and tackle the risk factors contributing to gender inequality, discrimination, and violence against women and girls. We will never waver on our commitment to support women’s and youth’s equal, full and meaningful participation in the public and political spheres through a comprehensive, and whole-of-society approach. 

In the context of UN80, as the Organization marks its 80th anniversary — a milestone reflecting our collective belief in a renewed global framework grounded in the principles and values of the UN Charter — we continue to promote good governance and the rule of law, justice and accountability, international humanitarian law, and human rights, including gender equality. As we look toward 2030 and beyond, the European Union remains a constructive partner to the United Nations, its leadership, and its Member States

The European Union firmly believes that the future of the United Nations development system must be shaped by the momentum created by the 2024 Quadrennial Comprehensive Policy Review and by the collective vision embodied in the UN80 initiative. This process is a transformative opportunity for a renewed multilateral architecture that is more effective, transparent, accountable, efficient, and results-driven. 

As the largest non-governmental donor to the UN development system, the European Union places significant value in reinforcing a strategic and system-wide perspective to delivery on the ground. This requires aligning mandates and capacities, enhancing Resident Coordinators to support integrated system-wide action, reducing overlaps, and improving financial accountability and transparency.

Together, we can build on the achievements of the past and create a more equitable and just future to ensure that women and girls everywhere can exercise their rights unhindered.

Thank you.