UN Resident Coordinator’s Remarks at the Opening of the 12th Edition of Women's Film Week 2024

Your Royal Highness Princess Basma Bint Talal, 

Excellencies,

Distinguished guests,

Partners and friends,

As we convene tonight to launch of the 12th Edition of Women’s Film Week, we find ourselves facing unprecedented challenges that are testing us as humanity, testing popular faith in the notion of common values and the rules-based world order, and testing collective commitment to promote rather than degrade human rights, including women's rights. 

Let us not be unclear:  We are at a critical juncture. The Middle East is on the brink. And the rights and well-being of millions of civilians – men, women, boys and girls – is on the line.

Now is the time to defuse and de-escalate.

Now is the time for maximum restraint.

Now is the time for us to throw everything we have as humanity – as States, as civil society, and individual citizens – into promoting peace. Into achieving human rights for all. For everyone, everywhere.

The carnage in Gaza and the failure of States to create a world where all humans are equal – regardless of gender, religion, or nationality – are challenging belief in the effectiveness of the very international laws and mechanisms designed to protect human rights. Some even call for the abandonment of those frameworks themselves. 

Yet, we know it is not the frameworks themselves that are inadequate or biased. It is rather the deficiencies in their application and in the accountability that bring us to such terrible suffering as we see in Gaza.

Suffering that has resulted in the death of over than 9,000 women and more than 10,000 children. It is suffering that is causing near famine conditions that are entirely man-made.

And yet, despite this , women in Gaza get up every day, and do the impossible: they carry on. They work to protect their families. They search for food. And they contribute in whatever they can to the betterment of human rights in their own way. 

Here let me say that I am extremely proud of the women who work with the United Nations, here in Jordan and in Gaza as well. I know many of them in Gaza as I do here in Jordan personally. They are an inspiration, and they deserve our support. 

But moreover – like women in everywhere in the world – they simply want to live lives in peace, they want their children to go to school, they want to be able to feed their families, they want to see the future full of hope and promise.

This is what unites us as women everywhere. This is what we all want. We do not want to be heroes; we just simply want to contribute to our world.

It has been 29 years since the Beijing Conference, which flagged areas where urgent action was needed to ensure greater equality and opportunities for women and men, girls and boys. 

Despite many areas of good progress, women and girls worldwide continue to confront immense challenges: marginalization, injustice, discrimination, and a pervasive epidemic of violence against women.

We must change this. As we face new and extraordinary challenges in our region, let is not lose focus on the underlying causes: inequalities and lack of respect for basic rights for all, including women and girls. 

Jordan's focus and unwavering commitment to advancing women's rights is evident through its National Strategy for Women and active engagement in international forums.

Achieving gender parity in education and empowering women in the workforce is just the beginning in Jordan. True progress requires robust global cooperation and a resolute commitment to eradicating disparities wherever they exist.

Let us stand behind women's organizations at the forefront, here in Jordan and worldwide, and invest in programs that terminate violence and foster women’s inclusion and leadership in every sphere. Because by doing this, we will advance peace and reduce the risk of further conflict.

Turning to tonight and the power of cinema …

In these turbulent times, cinema is a potent ally in our fight for justice and equality. The films we are showcasing this week do more than just entertain—they provoke thought and compel action. They vividly bring to life the struggles and resilience of women both globally and regionally, providing us with profound insights that transcend mere headlines.

As we anticipate pivotal international events like the Beijing + 30 Review and the United Nations Summit for the Future later this year, let us harness these opportunities to tackle disparities and advocate for the dignity of all women, everywhere and all women at all the time.

 May the films we view tonight and beyond inspire us to embody the change we seek, strengthening our resolve for a future where gender equality is not merely an aspiration, but a reality.

Thank you for your presence, your voice, and your steadfast support for gender equality. Special thanks to Nicolas and the entire UN Women team, to Ghada Saba, the Film Week art director, and to the amazing example of Jordanian women, who is at the forefront, HRH Princess Basma Bint Talal.

Thank you!