One in three women worldwide experience physical or sexual violence during their lifetimes. In addition to being a grave human rights violation and one of the worst forms of discrimination, violence against women is also a drain on nations’ resources and an obstacle to implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. When a woman is discriminated against, violated, or abused, we all lose. According to some estimates, violence against women costs up to two per cent of a nation’s GDP. Lithuania is strongly committed to advancing gender equality and combatting VAW. Together, we can do a lot. As individuals, we too have a role to play. I am happy and proud to join the IGC network as a gender champion. Together, we must work to translate the many pledges and commitments into actions that make a real difference in the lives of women and girls around the world.