[Press release] Generation Equality Forum to drive major policy reforms and generate over USD 40 billion in new investments. Heads of State and Government, heads of international organizations, activists from civil society and youth-led organizations, philanthropists and CEOs of private sector companies gathered today for the opening of the Generation Equality Forum held from 30 June to 2 July in Paris. The Forum launched a Global Acceleration Plan for Gender Equality, driven by six Action Coalitions, and launched a Compact on Women, Peace and Security and Humanitarian Action.

From flash mobs to bicycle races, street marches to art exhibits, and even illuminating landmarks and buildings in orange light, people around the world banded together during the 16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence by “oranging their neighbourhoods.”

The Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women, (UN Women), Michelle Bachelet will attend on behalf of the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon , the 43rd Pacific Islands Forum Meeting, to be held in Rarotonga, Cook Islands from the 28th to the 30th of August 2012.

UN Women is hosting a series of consultations throughout the Pacific this week on the theme of eliminating and preventing violence against women and girls.