The public launch brought together for the first time the key stakeholders of the programme and everyone pronounced their firm commitment to the programmes objectives and to its success.

Mr. Jakob Simonsen, UN Resident Coordinator in Turkey, in his opening address outlined all the important measures related to women's rights that the UN is supporting in Turkey and that the Joint UN Programme embodies. "A comprehensive approach to women's empowerment is needed for local government to succeed in transforming national legislation into real live improvements for women", said Mr. Simonsen.

The Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior, Mr. Şahabettin Harput, impressively articulated the governments progress in advancing women's rights while at the same time underscoring the need for more concerted efforts at all levels. "We need to prioritize women's education, women's employment, health and social security as well as protecting women from violence and abuse", said Mr. Harput and added, "the programme will help us do this and governors, mayors and civil society partners will work together to make action plans come alive."

In his keynote address, Mr. Derviş, UNDP Administrator and Chair of the United Nations Development Group, spoke with emotion about the work of the United Nations in general and its contribution to promoting and protecting women's and girls human rights specifically. "Involving women and men in decision-making processes is a sine qua non of any democratic framework. Hence democracy cannot afford to be gender-blind. It must strive towards equality and representation of women and men in decision-making processes and in the opportunities to achieve both these goals", said Mr. Derviş. He underlined that the UN has an important role in setting the global standards for how to protect human beings from decease, exploitation, abuse and conflict. He emphasized that, "the problems facing women in Turkey have to solved by Turkey, but global experiences and standards can accelerate these efforts". He shared important experiences from around the globe on how to increase women's representation in politics, senior management and business life. "Quota's might not be the solution for every country, but the fact is that they have been part of the solution in all countries which have successfully increased representation", he said while encouraging all partners in Turkey to explore these experiences.

After the public launch, representatives from the 6 pilot cities of the Joint UN Programme came together to kick start the actual implementation of activities under the programme. All participating governors and mayors pledged their full support to the programme and we are all now looking forward to seeing activities blossom in each city.