More countries have understood that women’s equality is a prerequisite for development.

The statement links gender equality to national and global progress, arguing that development is not merely an economic or technical project but depends on who is empowered to participate. By framing women’s equality as a “prerequisite,” Annan implies that societies that exclude or constrain women undermine their own human capital, governance, health, and education outcomes. The phrasing “more countries have understood” suggests a shift in international norms: equality is presented not as a cultural preference or optional reform, but as a widely recognized condition for sustainable development. In this view, advancing women’s rights is both a moral imperative and a practical strategy for reducing poverty and strengthening institutions.