What it means to create a 'women's health development army'

I attended the fourth Women Deliver Conference in Copenhagen, Denmark, two weeks ago. I listened to fascinating stories of thousands of impassioned advocates, policymakers, researchers and young people in attendance and shared the lessons from my own experience nationally and globally. Throughout the conference my consistent message was that we need to work together as conscious disruptors of the status quo.

Over the next few years, the Sustainable Development Goals will offer us a unique opportunity to deliver results in integrated and collaborative way. They will enable us to tackle the many global challenges we are facing — from conflict and forced migration, natural disasters and climate change, to pandemics and antimicrobial resistance. It is only through collaboration that we can achieve peace, security and positive health outcomes for all.

We will achieve a better future for girls and women if we make them the center of our actions and decisions. To do this, we need to respect country ownership and assure enhanced sustainable domestic financing.