United Nations Radio

Investing in women pays and is one of the best investments that can be made for this and future generations, according to Deputy Secretary-General Asha-Rose Migiro.

African mothers and their children

Addressing the African Union summit in Kampala, Uganda, on Sunday, she said there is clear evidence that women and children "are the engines that drive our families and our communities, our economies and our nations."

She commended African leaders for devoting the summit to maternal and child health and focusing on women because of the message they are sending.

Asha-Rose Migiro said that it has been seen time and again that progress demands leadership and leaders "who devote themselves utterly to a challenge..."

"When leaders do this on AIDS, on climate change, on many other issues" and "when leaders are engaged and hands-on, good things happen" she added.

The Deputy United Nations Secretary-General said "it is good and right that Africa's leaders should make maternal and child health a head-of-state concern."

She also highlighted preparations for the United Nations Summit on the Millennium Development Goals, just 60 days from now in New York.

Mrs. Migiro underlined the United Nations determination to keep African peace and development at the very top of the international agenda.

She expressed condolences over "the ruthless terrorist attack against civilians" who were watching the World Cup on TV in Kampala towards the end of the tournament.

Jocelyne Sambira, United Nations Radio.

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