UN WOMEN OPENING SESSION - AUSTRALIAN INTERVENTION
Statement by H.E Ms. Beth Delaney, Chargé d’Affaires of Australia to the United Nations
18 February 2026
Thank you President and Executive Director
The UN80 Initiative, the Humanitarian Reset, and wider UN reform are key priorities for Australia. We see 2026 as an important year to set the multilateral system on a stronger and more resilient path.
Gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls remain urgent global goals. Australia is firmly committed to this agenda because the benefits are clear: gender equality reduces poverty and conflict, strengthens social cohesion and wellbeing, and boosts economic growth and opportunity for current and future generations.
Australia supports UN‑wide reforms that strengthen the system’s ability to deliver sustainable development. We look forward to the assessment of the proposed UNFPA–UN Women merger and encourage open, regular communication with Member States.
We reaffirm that the core mandates of both agencies should not be reopened. UN Women’s triple mandate—its global leadership on gender norms, coordination across the UN system, and operational programs—remains central to advancing gender equality and improving outcomes for women and girls.
Executive Boards must stay closely involved, supported by a clear legal and governance roadmap, risk and cost analyses, and comparisons of institutional options. As UN80 discussions continue, Australia strongly supports UN Women’s mandate and its upcoming 2026–2030 Strategic Plan.
Implementing agreed reforms will be essential for the success of broader UN system reforms and processes. Member States need transparent information on how UN Women is improving its efficiency while staying focused on its core mission.
We also stress the importance of continued investment in the Indo‑Pacific, especially the Pacific. UN Women’s work to build resilience, reduce discrimination, and support survivors of violence is making a real difference across the region.
Australia is proud to stand with UN Women and remains committed to its vital work. Together, we can advance gender equality, empowerment, and the rights of all women and girls.