Remarks by H.E. Mher Margaryan, Permanent Representative of Armenia, Chair of the Commission on the Status of Women, at the High-Level Roundtable on "The role of STI in empowering people and ensuring inclusiveness and equality”

13 մայիսի, 2019

Twenty-second session of the Commission on Science and Technology for Development
13 May 2019, Geneva

Remarks by H.E. Mher Margaryan, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Armenia
Chair of the UN Commission on the Status of Women
at the High-Level Roundtable on
“The role of STI in empowering people and ensuring inclusiveness and equality”

Mr. Chair,
Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,

I am very pleased to participate in the twenty-second session of the Commission on Science and Technology for Development, in my capacity as Chair of the Commission on the Status of Women. I express my appreciation to you, Chairperson, and the Commission on Science and Technology for Development for the kind invitation.

CSTD and the Commission on the Status of Women can proudly point to the track record of collaboration and exchange of views. These efforts strengthen policy coherence and alignment in the pursuit of our common objective, which is to contribute to the follow up to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.

This year’s theme of the High-level Political Forum, the subject of this Round Table, will be enriched by contributions of the two Commissions. I am pleased to note that the theme of CSW 63 on social protection systems, access to public services and sustainable infrastructure directly related to empowering people and ensuring inclusiveness and equality.

CSW placed emphasis on an integrated and gender-responsive approach to the design, budgeting, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of social protection systems, public services and sustainable infrastructure. In this context, CSW also highlighted a number of issues that are specific to STI, including STEM and ICT, and are of interest to your deliberations.

While #CSW recognized the potential benefits and challenges of new technologies, including artificial intelligence, and of information and communication technology for the use and delivery of public services, it also noted the need to pay more attention to their impacts on women and girls. Whereas technology can empower women and girls, and contribute to inclusiveness and equality, there are also concerns that need to be addressed so that its full potential is achieved. For example, CSW consistently stresses the need for attention to multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination, so that all women and girls can benefit, and inequality is not perpetuated. Technology and innovation can make an essential contribution in ensuring that women and girls with disabilities, for example, have full access to sustainable infrastructure.

There is a need to address the widening gender digital divide. We know that Digital technology can promote women’s empowerment and support women’s entry into the labour market, and improve their livelihoods, well-being and resilience. The scope of ICT-enabled mobile learning and literacy training should be expanded. Digital technologies and integrated health information systems can enhance provision of health care, including for women in rural and remote areas. STI is critical for energy-related solutions that women and girls can fully benefit from, including from renewable energy sources. And of course we need to realize a safe and secure cyberspace for women and girls.

Strengthening the voice, participation and leadership of women and girls as users, content creators, employees, entrepreneurs, innovators and leaders in science and technology is critical in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, so as to leave no woman and no girl behind.

Mr. Chairperson,

The Commission on the Status of Women is preparing for the comprehensive review and appraisal of 25 years of implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action. I look forward to the contribution of the Commission on Science and Technology for Development and other partners in advancing gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls through STI.

I thank you.

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