Women play a critical role in the management of wetlands, as managers, users and stewards of water, as experts, scientists and decision makers. This role needs to be recognized and gender equality and women’s empowerment strengthened to step up the conservation and sustainable use of our natural resources for the benefit of people and nature.

I have been committed to gender equality and women’s empowerment throughout my career and I am delighted to bring this commitment to my work as Secretary General of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.