UN General Assembly
2007

are least responsible for causing climate change. Climate change is thus a severe threat to poverty reduction. It is important that the international community treats adaptation to climate change not as a stand-alone issue but as an integral part of our common efforts to attain the Millennium Development Goals. A comprehensive approach is needed if we are to see results. The Government of Iceland is committed to showing solidarity with the most vulnerable in adapting to the effects of climate change. Iceland regards women’s empowerment and full participation at all levels as a fundamental issue for the new millennium. Whether in relation to peace and security, health, poverty or climate change, the empowerment of women is the key to success. Women and men need to be equally represented and listened to everywhere. I should like to reiterate Iceland’s support for the recommendations of the High-level Panel on United Nations System-wide Coherence regarding gender equality and women’s empowerment. The current United Nations structure and approach to gender issues is too fragmented. The excellent work of