Bachelet in Beirut to discuss women in democracies

Michelle Bachelet, the Executive Director of UN Women, will travel to Beirut on 15 and 16 January to participate in the High-level Meeting on Reform and Transition to Democracy that will bring leaders from around the world to provide insights and share experiences relevant to the uprisings and ongoing transition in the Arab region. The meeting is sponsored by the United Nations Regional Commissions and hosted by the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA). At the High-level Meeting, Ms. Bachelet will moderate a panel on Sunday, 15 January, “From the Street to the Political Arena,” that will address pivotal matters such as facilitating the transition of popular movements to political parties, containing counter-revolutionary forces, and reforming security forces to protect citizens and uphold human rights. She will speak about the importance of inclusiveness, human rights, the participation of civil society and the fundamental role of women in democracy. Ms. Bachelet will also participate in a panel discussion on democratic transition at the American University of Beirut on Monday, 16 January, where she will deliver remarks drawing on her experience as the former President of Chile in strengthening the institutions of democracy after dictatorship.