Madam Chair,

As we mark the International Day of the Girl Child for 2024, we celebrate the potential, strength, and resilience of girls worldwide. It is a moment to recognize the challenges girls face, and to consider how to break down those barriers so they get a fair chance to succeed.  This year’s theme "Girls’ Vision for the Future" also reminds us that girls are changemakers and that their active and meaningful participation in society and decision-making will put us all on the path for a better, sustainable future. 

Education is one of the most powerful tools for change. Ensuring access to safe, inclusive, and quality education for girls is crucial to both their economic and political empowerment.   Furthermore, protecting the sexual and reproductive health and rights of women and girls is critical so that they can make choices about their bodies, their lives, and their own futures.

Regrettably, millions of girls around the world are denied their fundamental human rights. They continue to face inequality and gender-based violence, and do not have equitable access to education or quality healthcare. 

In the OSCE region and on its borders, girls are disproportionately impacted by conflict and crisis.  

As a consequence of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, women and girls face displacement, economic uncertainty and an increased risk of trafficking and gender-based violence.  Ukrainian children - girls and boys - have had their childhoods and education disrupted. 

In Afghanistan, the Taliban have subjected women and girls to severe human rights violations, systematically banning women and girls from public life, including education, resulting in their social, political, economic and legal marginalization. 

As participating States, as we look to address conflict and crisis, we must remain committed to ensuring gender equality and facilitating the role of women and girls in finding solutions.  

In observing the International Day of the Girl Child, let us recommit to listening to girls, investing in proven solutions, and creating a world where every girl can reach her full potential.

Thank you,