Remarks by the Acting Resident Coordinator at the Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation Annual Peace Lecture 2023

Thank you, Programme Director,

Good evening

• Mrs Leah Tutu and the Tutu Family;
• The Board and staff of the Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation;
• The Board of the Archbishop Tutu Intellectual Property Trust;
• Consuls-General from the Netherlands, Belgium, the USA, and Germany;
• Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen.
• All protocol observed…

I bring greetings from the UN Resident Coordinator, Mr Nelson Muffuh who is currently in New York as well as the good wishes of the UN Country Team in South Africa.

It is indeed an honour for the United Nations in South Africa to partner with the Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation on this occasion, the 13th annual Peace Lecture.

The United Nations believes in the transformative power of women. We know that when women lead, societies change for the better.

As the United Nations Secretary General, Mr Antonnio Guterres says.. The participation of women in mediation and decision-making processes is vital to conflict resolution. Their analysis is critical to understanding conflict dynamics and building effective response and prevention strategies. Studies also show that the active engagement of women peacebuilders increases the chances of lasting peace.

Indeed, women bring a unique perspective and challenge the status quo thereby driving us toward peace, prosperity, and justice. Women like Mrs Leah Tutu, who has dedicated her life to the fight for justice and equality. As one of the founders of the Domestic Workers Alliance and a crucial figure in the Soweto YMCA, she has been a beacon of hope and resilience. Last month marked mum-Leah’s 90th birthday. I hope it is a moment to reflect not only on the power of her lifelong commitment to justice and equality – but may it serve as a moment of inspiration and aspiration for us all.

Tonight, we also recognise and celebrate the efforts of Melinda French Gates – who has demonstrated her commitment to empowering women and girls around the world. Her belief that 'Gender equity lifts everyone' resonates strongly with the values of the United Nations and our Human Rights principle to Leave No One Behind.

The UN steadfastly supports the mission of the Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation – a mission to deepen healing for societal transformation. The Foundation's work, especially through these annual peace lectures, is a testament to the enduring values of Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Even in his absence, his spirit of peace, justice, and reconciliation lives on, inspiring us all.

Archbishop Tutu's commitment to ordaining women into the priesthood was groundbreaking. His belief in women as powerful agents for societal change continues to inspire us. Therefore, the title “unlocking women’s power for peace and prosperity” should not just be a lecture title but we must endeavour to make it a reality. To achieve this requires a steadfast commitment to challenge the structures that hinder women's participation and to create opportunities that empower them.

Sustainable Development Goal number 5 calls for gender equality and women’s empowerment across all sectors of society so that every woman and girl lives up to her full potential.

Despite this, women are still excluded from peace processes and negotiations, and we need to see more intentional steps to ensure that this status quo is disrupted.

On behalf of the United Nations, I extend my deepest gratitude to the Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation for their tireless efforts in keeping the legacy of Archbishop Tutu alive. Through initiatives like these, the Foundation continues to galvanise the courage to heal, to reconcile differences, and to inspire new societal transformations.

The United Nations in South Africa reaffirms our support to the Foundation as we collectively work to accelerate the Sustainable Development Goals in South Africa to ensure that indeed No One is left behind.

Allow me to close with the words of the beloved Archbishop Tutu, "Until women are deeply involved in opposing the violence in the world, we are not going to bring it to an end."

Thank you