Opening remarks by Ambassador Pamela Hamamoto
Permanent Representative of the United States to the United Nations and Other International Organizations in Geneva

“The power of empowered women 2022: women’s leadership in peace and security.”
Human Rights Council Side Event
Tuesday, 23 June 2022
Assembly Hall, Palais des Nations

Excellencies,
distinguished panelists,
ladies and gentlemen,

I am Ambassador Hamamoto from the US Mission, and on behalf of the Group of Women Ambassadors, I would like to welcome you all to the third annual Power of Empowered Women event.  The Group of Women Ambassadors – empowered women in their own right – are deeply committed to gender equality and to women’s full involvement in all aspects of society, and we are thrilled that you could join us.

We would like to thank this incredible panel for making time to be here today, to share your stories, and to highlight the positive impact your leadership has had in the domain of peace and security. In recognition of the 15th anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 1325, we are interested in shining a light on the important role women are playing in the prevention and resolution of conflicts and in peace-building and peace-keeping, and we offer our support as we continue to push for women’s equal participation and an increased role in decision making. Your contributions throughout your careers to empowering women around the world are an inspiration to us all, and as evidenced by the energy level in the room, it’s clear that we are all anxious to hear more about your ongoing work in these areas.

With that, it is my pleasure to introduce Michael Moller, Director General of the United Nations Office in Geneva, an incredible partner of mine and a true ally in our efforts here in International Geneva to drive positive change for women and girls around the world.  Michael recently stated, “We all need to be gender champions, at whatever level we are at and in whatever function.”  I can always count on Michael for valuable advice on where to focus our efforts in order to have the greatest impact, and I look forward to our continued close collaboration on these important issues in the coming months.