Arya Ali, First Lady of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, delivered a speech at the opening ceremony
date：2023-12-15 16:08:07 hits：
The 5th Belt and Road Women’s Forum successfully convened in Sanya, Hainan from December 6-8. Co-hosted by the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, the All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese, and the UN Resident Coordinator Office in China, and jointly organized by the People’s Government of Sanya City, the China Friendship Foundation for Peace and Development, and the Secretariat of the Belt and Road Women’s Forum. Chen Xi, Mayor of the People’s Government of Sanya City, attended the opening ceremony of the forum and delivered a speech.
Arya Ali, First Lady of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, delivered a speech at the opening ceremony
Good day all.
I thank the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) for its kind invitation to me to attend and address this Forum here in Sanya City. I express my appreciation for the warm welcome and splendid arrangements made to facilitate my attendance at this Forum.
A more magnificent setting could not be imagined. From the little that I have seen, Sanya City is a place of breathtaking beauty. The city's captivating pristine beaches, framed by lush tropical foliage and crystalline waters, create an idyllic setting that blends modernity with the tranquillity of a nature resort. Sanya's natural beauty mirrors the diversity and unity celebrated at this the 5th Belt and Road Women's Forum, making it a fitting host for this prestigious gathering.
A resounding commendation is due to the organizers for its judicious choice of the meeting’s theme: She Power: Jointly Building and Sharing a Beautiful Life. This thoughtful theme implicitly acknowledges the pivotal role that women have played and continue to play in advancing human progress and freedom.
Women and history
For far too long, women have been relegated to the sidelines, their substantial contributions to the progress of humanity often treated as mere footnotes in the annals of history. The chosen theme signals a paradigm shift, emphasizing the necessity of recognizing and harnessing the immense power and potential of women. The theme sets the stage for meaningful discussions on empowerment, equality, and collaboration, paving the way for a future where the richness of women's contributions is celebrated.
Women have defied the socially constructed constraints that have been imposed upon them. They have achieved and thrived against the most formidable odds. Throughout history, women have been instrumental in transforming and altering the course of history.
In every aspect of human life, women have not merely participated but have been instrumental architects of change. In fields, factories, offices, laboratories, on the battlefields, and in politics, sports, arts, and culture, women have bestridden the stage of life with unwavering determination and transformative prowess. Their contributions have not only shattered traditional gender norms but have also propelled progress in every arena of human endeavour. Whether shattering the glass ceiling in corporate boardrooms, conducting groundbreaking research in laboratories, or showcasing athletic prowess on international stages, women continue to redefine the boundaries of what is achievable.
I thank the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) for its kind invitation to me to attend and address this Forum here in Sanya City. I express my appreciation for the warm welcome and splendid arrangements made to facilitate my attendance at this Forum.
A more magnificent setting could not be imagined. From the little that I have seen, Sanya City is a place of breathtaking beauty. The city's captivating pristine beaches, framed by lush tropical foliage and crystalline waters, create an idyllic setting that blends modernity with the tranquillity of a nature resort. Sanya's natural beauty mirrors the diversity and unity celebrated at this the 5th Belt and Road Women's Forum, making it a fitting host for this prestigious gathering.
A resounding commendation is due to the organizers for its judicious choice of the meeting’s theme: She Power: Jointly Building and Sharing a Beautiful Life. This thoughtful theme implicitly acknowledges the pivotal role that women have played and continue to play in advancing human progress and freedom.
Women and history
For far too long, women have been relegated to the sidelines, their substantial contributions to the progress of humanity often treated as mere footnotes in the annals of history. The chosen theme signals a paradigm shift, emphasizing the necessity of recognizing and harnessing the immense power and potential of women. The theme sets the stage for meaningful discussions on empowerment, equality, and collaboration, paving the way for a future where the richness of women's contributions is celebrated.
Women have defied the socially constructed constraints that have been imposed upon them. They have achieved and thrived against the most formidable odds. Throughout history, women have been instrumental in transforming and altering the course of history.
In every aspect of human life, women have not merely participated but have been instrumental architects of change. In fields, factories, offices, laboratories, on the battlefields, and in politics, sports, arts, and culture, women have bestridden the stage of life with unwavering determination and transformative prowess. Their contributions have not only shattered traditional gender norms but have also propelled progress in every arena of human endeavour. Whether shattering the glass ceiling in corporate boardrooms, conducting groundbreaking research in laboratories, or showcasing athletic prowess on international stages, women continue to redefine the boundaries of what is achievable.
- Who will forget the iconic Marie Curie, a pioneering physicist and chemist who not only became the first woman to win a Nobel Prize and whose groundbreaking research advanced the understanding of fundamental scientific principles but also paved the way for innovations in medical treatments?
- Rosa Parks, who is still hailed as the "mother of the civil rights movement," defied racial segregation in the United States by refusing to give up her bus seat to a white man. Her courageous act became a catalyst for the broader civil rights movement, challenging systemic discrimination and inspiring generations.
- Malala Yousafzai, a Pakistani activist for female education survived a Taliban assassination attempt and went on to become the youngest-ever Nobel Prize laureate. Her unwavering dedication to advocating for girls' education globally has been a source of inspiration for women around the world.
- Janet Jagan, an indefatigable advocate for Guyana's Independence, a trailblazer for women's rights, and a champion for free and fair elections.
China’s revolutionary struggles would not have been successful without the contributions of those women who not only stood shoulder-to-shoulder with their male counterparts but also spearheaded initiatives that reshaped the fabric of Chinese society.
Today, women continue to make their imprint on human history, standing at the forefront of movements for equality, championing social justice, and spearheading advancements in science, technology, and the arts. Their voices resonate inside and outside of the corridors of power, advocating for inclusive policies and ensuring that the legacy of their predecessors is not only preserved but further enriched for the generations that follow.
Belt and Road Initiative
This Forum must become a celebration of the women of the world as much as it is about bringing together countries that are part of the Belt and Road Initiative.
The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), in my estimation, represents a new dynamic phase in globalization This ambitious initiative, spearheaded by the People’s Republic of China, has facilitated unprecedented infrastructure development, enhanced connectivity and increased collaboration among participating nations. It has not only helped to propel economic growth but has also played a significant role in empowering women by expanding the opportunities available to them. The infrastructure projects under the BRI have opened new avenues for employment and entrepreneurship, providing women with greater access to markets and resources. As transportation networks and trade routes flourish, women find themselves participating in and contributing to the socio-economic transformations spurred by the BRI.
One study has estimated that in the first eight years of the BRI, the annual trade volume between China and nations along the route grew from US$1.04 trillion to US$1.8 trillion. During this same period, 2013 -2021, direct investment from China reached a staggering sum of US$161.3 billion. As of the end of 2021, Chinese enterprises had invested a cumulative total of US$49.08 billion in economic and trade cooperation parks established in countries along the route, and generated 346,000 jobs.
The BRI therefore is of the scale to impact gender equality. In fashioning a second generation of BRI projects, I hope that attention will be given to ensuring that the effects of these projects on gender equality will be the subject of greater assessment.
The BRI can help play a more instrumental in reducing social inequality role by ensuring a stronger focus on social infrastructure particularly in the areas of health and education.
Gender equality:
Education and economic empowerment remain key to reducing gender inequality. We must aspire to a world in which there are equal opportunities for men and women and where there is equal pay for equal work.
It is my firm belief, that the economic empowerment of women is instrumental in fostering their independence. Empowered women, equipped with economic agency, are better positioned to navigate life on their terms. By expanding economic opportunities for women, we also address a fundamental root cause of domestic violence—the pervasive imbalance in power relations between women and men.
Education is a potent equalizer. Education for girls and women empowers them to pursue their aspirations and contribute meaningfully to various spheres of life. Education not only equips women and girls with knowledge and skills but it also instills confidence, critical thinking, and a sense of autonomy. As societies invest in girls' education, they simultaneously invest in the dismantling of deeply rooted gender stereotypes. Educated women are more likely, also, to engage in the workforce, breaking the cycle of economic dependency and contributing to the overall prosperity of communities and the reduction of poverty.
Initiatives
In making a strong pitch for greater support for programmes which support female empowerment and education, I would like to briefly share with you two initiatives that the Office of the First Lady of Guyana has initiated.
We recognized that the attendance of girls at school was being affected during their menstrual periods. Many girls, particularly those from poor families, were not attending school during this time of the month because they could not afford the cost of sanitary napkins, and not having these was a source of great humiliation and sapped their self-confidence.
In response to this, my office initiated the Menstrual Hygiene Initiative, to provide sanitary products to more than 30,000 school-aged girls nationwide. This initiative is designed to guarantee these girls free access to vital hygiene resources, recognizing the importance of addressing menstrual health as an essential aspect of their well-being.
Our 'InclusAbility Initiative' is dedicated to ensuring that women, children, and persons with disabilities have access to fair and equitable opportunities across all sectors. This initiative aims to dismantle barriers and promote inclusivity, fostering a society where everyone, regardless of ability, can participate fully in various fields, thereby contributing to a more inclusive and empowered community.
Conclusion:
Our own experience suggests that it is important to balance large-scale transformative infrastructural projects with a deeper commitment to social investments, particularly in relation to health, housing and education.
As we embark on the discussions over the next few days on how to collectively build and share in a beautiful life, I implore all of you to acknowledge the need for greater investments in our women and girls. They are undeniably the heartbeat of a better world. They possess the resilience, creativity, and potential to propel us towards a future marked by equality and prosperity. Recognizing and actively addressing the challenges they face is not just a moral duty; it is an essential step toward realizing the collective potential of humanity. By investing in their education, empowerment, and well-being, we sow the seeds for more inclusive and sustainable societies.
May our deliberations therefore propel us towards a future where the empowerment of women is not merely an aspiration but a lived reality—a reality that echoes in the soul of a truly beautiful and harmonious world.
I thank you
The theme of the forum, ‘She Power: Jointly Building and Sharing a Beautiful Life,’ reflects a focus on women’s unique contributions and empowerment within the context of the Belt and Road Initiative. Organized by the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, the All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese, and the All-China Youth Federation, along with the People’s Government of Sanya City leadership, the forum brought together over 400 participants. These included the First Lady of Guyana, representatives from the United Nations, Nobel laureates in Physiology or Medicine, and ambassadors from Kyrgyzstan, Zambia, Maldives, Switzerland, Nepal, Guyana, Uganda, Mozambique, and various other countries, along with national and international business representatives.
During the forum, in-depth discussions and exchanges took place around the theme. Guests shared insights on the distinctive role played by women in the ten years since the Belt and Road Initiative was launched. They highlighted the substantial achievements of women and looked forward to the future of the initiative, advocating for women’s empowerment to foster common development and prosperity in human society.
2023 marks the tenth anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative. Over the past decade, the Belt and Road Women’s Forum has been instrumental in showcasing the unique role of women in the development of the Belt and Road Initiative, promoting comprehensive and sustainable development for women, and enhancing people-to-people connections among the participating countries. The forum has successfully established a platform for communication and collaboration among women across the Belt and Road countries, building bridges for mutual understanding and cooperation.
During the forum, in-depth discussions and exchanges took place around the theme. Guests shared insights on the distinctive role played by women in the ten years since the Belt and Road Initiative was launched. They highlighted the substantial achievements of women and looked forward to the future of the initiative, advocating for women’s empowerment to foster common development and prosperity in human society.
2023 marks the tenth anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative. Over the past decade, the Belt and Road Women’s Forum has been instrumental in showcasing the unique role of women in the development of the Belt and Road Initiative, promoting comprehensive and sustainable development for women, and enhancing people-to-people connections among the participating countries. The forum has successfully established a platform for communication and collaboration among women across the Belt and Road countries, building bridges for mutual understanding and cooperation.