ABSTRACT
Today, in a time of renewed turmoil and uncertainty across the world, people are again looking for hope. This is why Jan Eliasson so glad to join the today for what is a powerful statement of optimism: namely, women and girls rising. Nothing can rival the hopeful message of the empowerment, engagement, and elevation of women and girls in today's world. He firmly believe, and he say it often, that this will be the century of women, one in which women and girls enjoy their rights and realize their potential as never before, a time when they finally live free from discrimination and violence, from ignorance and want. Conflicts, financial economic crisis, food insecurity, and climate change, as well as pandemics like Ebola, have intensified vulnerability with specific impacts on women and girls. One must make this the century of women. In a time of great uncertainty, that is a truly inspiring challenge and promise for the future.
