More countries have understood that women's equality is a prerequisite for development.

More countries have understood that women's equality is a prerequisite for development.

Gender equality is more than a goal in itself. It is a precondition for meeting the challenge of reducing poverty, promoting sustainable development and building good governance.

There are now 11 women heads of state or government, in countries on every continent. And three countries -- Chile, Spain and Sweden -- now have gender parity in government.

The balance must be redressed.

We are going to work with the Congolese people and the government to make sure we make progress and consolidate peace and stability.