Thank you, Mr President.
Violence against women and girls is one of the most systemic and widespread human rights violations of our time. This violence deters women's and girls' entry into public and political life, attempts to erode the enjoyment of their human rights and their dignity, safety and ambitions, and ultimately causes many women to self-censor or leave public positions prematurely. I have had the privilege of meeting incredible women and girls around the world, listened to their stories and experiences as leaders, and today, I pay tribute to all of them.
And we know the challenges are multiplying. The online world is a new front where women and girl activists, leaders and human rights defenders in the public eye experience and witness violence online. Therefore, I call on other States to consider joining the Global Partnership for Action on Gender-based Online Abuse and Harassment.
Preventing gender-based violence as a key barrier to women and girls in public and political life is also a universal challenge. For the UK, this remains a priority, at home and abroad, which is firmly embedded in the UK's new International Women and Girls Strategy, our Women, Peace and Security National Action Plan, and the "What Works to Prevent Violence" research programme.
Ensuring women's and girls' voices are heard - including in grassroots women's rights organisations, movements, and survivors' groups - remains vital. Which is why the UK has recently invested £38m to amplify women's and girls' voices in decision-making fora.
Finally, I would like to ask the panellists: What measures are needed to scale up gender-based violence prevention in order to truly achieve SDG5 and associated targets of eliminating GBV by 2030?
Thank you.
