It is clear that the majority of countries are here to do just that. They have repeatedly made their forward-looking positions clear on all 12 Critical Areas of Concern in the Platform. However, a few countries are intent on watering down the Platform.

In Beijing, women helped to secure the commitment of 187 goverments to advance women's human rights, gender equality and women's empowerment. Since 1995, we have worked in partnership with governments at home in our communities, and at the national and international levels, to turn the words of the Beijing Platform into concrete actions. These actions have made a real difference in the lives of many women. But there is still much to be done.

In the halls of the United Nations and at home in our countries, women worldwide are monitoring these deliberations. We call on you now to stand behind your Beijing commitments and together with NGOs accelerate our efforts to improve women's lives.