Good afternoon,
It is wonderful to sense the growing energy and anticipation of the Women Deliver Community, as we approach the 2019 Women Deliver Conference to be held in Vancouver, Canada.

I was proud to open the conference in 2016 here in Copenhagen and to be part of, and witness to, the power and possibilities that such a gathering of individuals, organizations and governments represents. 

Women Deliver 2016 was educational, innovative and rewarding.  One of the things that made it so inspirational for me was that rather than focusing on the problems girls and women face – we know them all too well – it focused on solutions and on the huge potential and value girls and women possess.
I closed my opening speech in 2016 by saying:  Let’s build on and accelerate the progress that has already been achieved. Let’s look to new horizons.  Together let’s deliver for girls and women to have choice NOT chance.  And let’s agree that less bad, will never be good enough.

I believe, that these words are just as relevant today, 3 weeks before the kick-off of Women Deliver in Canada.  And I believe that the gathering in Canada offers the promise of taking our common agenda to a new high.  

Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to visit Ethiopia together with our Minister for Development Cooperation, Ulla Tørnæs. During our visit we met both with the President and with a number of high-ranking public officials. The meetings left quite an impression on me. Why? Because they were all women. 

And because Ethiopia is a country with strong patriarchal traditions, which continue to affect progress towards greater gender equality.   

This new development is a result of an ambitious and progressive reform process in Ethiopia, initiated by its’ relatively new government. The government actively decided that there should be gender parity in the Cabinet and women now make up 50 per cent. And in addition, they are leading ministries such as; finance, defense and trade and industry – ministries that traditionally are led by men.  That’s strong progress! And let’s hope that progress continues, also if a potential new government comes into power.

Such progress demonstrates that when there is a strong will and real power to change the status quo – change can happen. And it is powerful when it does. 

Globally we continue to see women in the minority at the highest levels of decision-making in societies. But important decisions require that the decision makers represent the diversity of those affected by the decisions. So, it matters who makes the decisions. And it matters that women are involved in governing. Because if we do not hear the voices of women, we do not hear the voice of half the population. 

Another experience I would like to briefly share with you is from my recent travels to Kenya with the Deliver for Good Campaign in my role as a Deliver for Good Influencer. 

Here we met village councils where women are active members, which was a relatively new development. It was clear from our discussions that since the acceptance of women as members of these councils, the dynamics of local peace processes had changed dramatically.  Their contribution and positive influence as decision-makers has led to less conflict in the area. 

That is the power of women and that is the even stronger power of women and men acting together. 

The theme of the 2019 Women Deliver conference in Canada is ‘power’ - how it can drive or hinder progress and change. 
I see this as a very fitting theme. Because I believe that women – when given equal opportunity – have the power to change things for the better – and for good. 

Since 2016 Women Deliver has become more than a conference every third year. Today, it is a global movement.

Canada serves as an exemplary host nation for the 2019 Women Deliver Conference. It is a country recognized for its achievements in and dedication to ensuring equal rights and the empowerment of women and girls around the world.  

There exists a strong momentum and together with a gathering of thousands of people all committed to promoting the rights of women and girls. Progress and Empowerment can be achieved. 

Now, the task for all of us is to go to Women Deliver in Vancouver and as I said in Copenhagen; build on and accelerate the progress that has already been achieved. Look to new horizons.  And together let’s deliver for girls and women to have choice NOT chance. 

I look forward to seeing you there.

Thank you.