General
Source: New Times
President Paul Kagame has called on world leaders to increase investment in girls’ empowerment to ensure that girls are able to fulfill their full potential.
President Kagame made the remarks, yesterday, at an MDG special event at the ongoing Davos World Economic Forum.
The President, who serves as co-chair of the MDG Advocacy Group, joined the United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, as well as the new MDG Advocacy Group co-chair, Norway Prime Minister Erna Solberg.
“Investing in girls’ empowerment calls for increased investment in the good health of the girl child as we do for the boys, so that they all grow into balanced human beings with equal opportunities to realise their life aspirations,” he said.
Ban reiterated his commitment to gender parity and recognised Rwanda as exemplary in ensuring gender equality.
“When you invest in girls’ future, you are guaranteed results that multiply across society on health, education, peace and welfare of future generations. Let us make their future our focus and they will make a difference,” he said.
Prime Minister Solberg committed to increasing investment in girls’ education and achieving MDG goal three of gender parity.
“We must all contribute. We must all walk the talk. The task is to put all available resources and ideas in a sustainable sprint towards achieving our goals.”
The event takes place 707 days before the date set for the achievement of the current MDGs.
Rwanda is currently on track to achieve all of the MDGs, officials said.
Later, President Kagame delivered a keynote speech at an event titled ‘Germany meets Africa’ alongside Philip Missfeder, a member of the Bundestag (German parliament).