When addressing female leadership, Anna Mutavati, a UN Women official who also attended the meeting, emphasized the importance of amplifying women's voices.
"It is so important to have the voices of women at the table when discussions are being made — about budget, about health, about education, about food security, and about everything else," she said.
She expressed delight at seeing so many outstanding women — heads of state and government, leaders of international organizations, and professionals from over 100 countries and regions — working to drive change through the meeting.
She also encouraged young women to "get engaged". Leadership, she said, is not just for senior figures or government officials. The world belongs to all women, and they must continue to work together to protect their freedoms.
Maimona Khalid, the charge d'affaires ad interim of the Embassy of the Republic of Sudan in China, offered more specific advice. "Educate yourself, learn about the international community, understand the world," she said.
"If you have a chance to travel, travel. If you don't have a chance, now this is the internet era, so learn about other cultures and civilizations, know how women are suffering in other countries, and recognize the gifts you have here in your country and work on yourself," she added.
Francisca E. Mendez Escobar, permanent representative of Mexico to the UN Office in Geneva, highlighted two unique traits of female leadership: generosity and positivity.
