These closing remarks by Ambassador Anna Ifkovits Horner, Head of the State Host Division and Deputy Permanent Representative with the Permanent Mission of Switzerland to the United Nations Office and other International Organisations in Geneva during the IGC's 10-Year Anniversary Celebration on July 3, 2025.
Excellencies, Champions,
Colleagues and friends,
It is a great pleasure to deliver the closing remarks at this important occasion.
Let me begin by sincerely thanking our co-hosts, the Permanent Missions of Costa Rica, Bolivia, Belgium, and Germany, our inspiring keynote speaker, the IGC founders, and all Champions and focal points - past and present - whose vision and leadership have shaped the International Gender Champions network into what it is today.
Today, we celebrate a decade of courageous, committed leadership. A decade in which the IGC turned promises into concrete, transformative action. Switzerland is proud to be a long-standing supporter of this initiative, grounded in our deep commitment to gender equality as a constitutional principle, a fundamental human right, and a pillar of our foreign policy.
As we mark this 10-year anniversary, we also look to the future. I am thus pleased that the IGC Secretariat is currently developing a Lighthouse Strategy for the next five years. It is a fitting metaphor. In times of turbulence and uncertainty, a lighthouse offers direction and orientation. It reminds us of where we stand and where we must go. But a lighthouse needs lighthouse keepers – such as you and me.
As the Host State Ambassador at the Swiss Mission, I can tell you: It is no coincidence that the IGC was founded in Geneva - a city long recognized as a unique center for multilateralism, human rights, and principled leadership. In a world increasingly challenged by divisions, the International Geneva remains anchored in those values. So, in today’s world, our commitment must shine brighter than ever.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
We are not only Gender Champions, we are also Peace Champions. At a time when human rights are under pressure, and progress on women’s rights is being rolled back, advancing the Women, Peace and Security agenda is essential. There can be no lasting peace without the full, equal, and meaningful participation of women. This is why Switzerland is currently developing its fifth National Action Plan on UN Security Council Resolution 1325.
Looking ahead, the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action in 2025 offers an excellent opportunity to reaffirm our global commitment to gender equality. And let me be clear: gender equality is not a women’s issue. It is a matter of human rights. It is a condition for inclusive societies, sustainable peace, and resilient democracies.
This is what the International Gender Champions network embodies: leadership, commitment, and the power of example. It shows that when diverse actors come together, real change is possible.
So, as we celebrate today, let this be more than a reflection. Let it be a re-commitment. A renewed promise to lead by example, to stand firm in our values, and to ensure that gender equality is a foundation for everything we do.
Thank you.