VP Duterte Joins UN in Celebrating the International Day of Women and Girls in Science
Vice President Sara Z. Duterte tells the international community at the International Day of Women and Girls in Science that “investing in women and girls in science and education fosters our drive for progress.” (New York PM photo)
UNITED NATIONS, NEW YORK, 15 February 2023 — Vice President and Secretary of Education Sara Z. Duterte expressed solidarity with the United Nations and the international community in celebrating the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. The UN held the 8th International Day of Women and Girls in Science Assembly on 10 February 2023. In a pre-recorded video message played during the commemorative event, Vice President Duterte recognized the key role of women and girls in science in technological innovations that aid our recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The Philippines is working with Member States and with partners from civil society and the private sector, across various platforms and mechanisms, on ensuring sustainable development for all. We recognize that technology and finance are key to the equal integration of women and girls in science. Investing in women and girls in science and education fosters our drive for progress” said Vice President Duterte.
The Vice President highlighted the efforts of the Philippine government to ensure food security and reduce logistics, transport and energy cost as well as invest in innovative infrastructure in accordance with the 8-Point Economic Agenda of President Marcos.
As an advocate of the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities, the Vice President commended the inclusion of the “Science in Braille” workshop for women and girls who are visually impaired. She called on the global community to promote and facilitate an inclusive and accessible science for all.
Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary-General, in his speech said “this International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we highlight a simple equation, more women and girls in science: equal better science. He added that women and girls contribute to diversifying research by expanding the pool of science professionals and providing fresh perspectives to science and technology.
Csaba Korӧsi, President of the UN General Assembly, urged Member States to encourage women and girls to pursue STEM education and careers.
“The underrepresentation of women and girls in STEM puts a brake on all our efforts to achieve our Sustainable Development Goals. We need the expertise of women scientists to address challenges from climate change, food security, disease outbreaks, and water scarcity, to name a few”, said Mr. Korösi.
February 11 is the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. The annual celebration aims to connect the international community to women and girls in science, strengthening the ties between science, policy, and society for strategies oriented towards the future. It recognizes that full and equal access to and participation in science, technology and innovation for women and girls of all ages is imperative for achieving gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls.
The 8th Assembly focused on the theme “Innovate. Demonstrate. Elevate. Advance. Sustain. IDEAS: Bringing Everyone Forward for Sustainable and Equitable Development.” It was co-organized by the Royal Academy of Science International Trust and the Permanent Missions of the Philippines, Chile, Lebanon, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Rwanda, Slovakia, and Spain. END
For more information, visit https://www.newyorkpm.dfa.gov.ph, https://www.un.int/philippines or https://www.facebook.com/PHMissionNY/.