AMMAN (JT) - The Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) convened a high-level plenary meeting on Tuesday on the "Implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action and the Outcome of the 23rd Special Session of the General Assembly " .

The broad based participation will also review current challenges and forward-looking strategies for the advancement and empowerment of women around the world.

Speaking on behalf of the Kingdom, as well as the Consultative Committee for the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM), which is currently chaired by Jordan, HRH Princess Basma discussed Jordan′s commitment to the implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action. She commended the will of His Majesty King Abdullah, in supporting legal amendments and in establishing a system of reserved seats for women′s parliamentary representation.

"Gender mainstreaming (incorporated by JNCW) has also been recognised , prompting a commitment from the prime minister to mainstream gender perspectives into all future national development plans, and all government institutions ," Princess Basma said.

However, for change to be permanent, she noted, it is always essential to ensure societal understanding and acceptance of the process. The Princess also stressed the importance of acknowledging local conditions and their direct bearing on the pace at which processes for women′s advancement evolve.

"We hope that the outcome of this meeting will be sensitive to the diversity of our cultures, religions and interests, and create an enabling climate for our national initiatives to flourish." Princess Basma commended UNIFEM′s leading role in protecting and advancing the rights and developments of women.