"Girls everywhere should be able to lead lives free from fear and violence," Ban said. "If we achieve this progress for girls, we will see advances across society."
Noting that the newly-adopted Sustainable Development Goals include key targets for gender equality as well as women and girls empowerment, Ban called for implementation of the goals by 2030 to realize "the vision of a life of dignity for all."
In 2011, United Nations General Assembly declared Oct. 11 as the International Day of the Girl Child, to recognize girls` rights and the unique challenges girls face around the world.
The Day focuses attention on the need to address the challenges girls face and to promote girls` empowerment as well as the fulfillment of their rights. This year`s theme is the Power of the Adolescent Girl: Vision for 2030.
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