The representative from Kazakhstan, H.E. Ms. Elvira Azimova, Chairperson of the Constitutional Court, reaffirmed the Court’s commitment to cooperation with international partners, expressing their “Readiness to continue active cooperation with all Member States, United Nations system entities, and international partners to advance this crucial global agenda.”
Meanwhile, Uruguay’s speaker Ms. Noelia Martinez, Deputy Director General of Political Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, underscored the role of political leadership in advancing equality.
“Gender equality is a matter of power but also a choice. Financing for gender equality isn’t a challenge today but is a choice as well.”
It was important to have Uruguay represented in the panel as the G77 Chair for this year.
The second panel, “Strengthening Financial Systems for Gender Equality: From Policy Frameworks to Instruments at Scale,” explored how financial systems can better support gender equality through innovative instruments and policy frameworks. Moderated by Ms. Robyn Oates, Head of Sustainable Finance at UN Women, the discussion included perspectives from the Ford Foundation, Pro Mujer and the Government of Rwanda.
Participants also shared national initiatives supporting women entrepreneurs. H.E. Mr. Ali Naseer Mohamed, Permanent Representative of the Maldives to the United Nations, highlighted a government initiative supporting women-led businesses.
“In 2024, The Maldives Government launched an initiative allocating US$ 6.47 million for start-up loans to women entrepreneurs, with 25% earmarked for women with disabilities. Over 16% of the funds have been disbursed over the past 2 years.”