There is no development strategy more beneficial to society as a whole - women and men alike - than the one which involves women as central players.

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

If information and knowledge are central to democracy, they are conditions 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.

Business, labor and civil society organizations have skills and resources that are vital in helping to build a more robust global community.

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.