A/RES/55/69 Taking into account the continuing lack of representation or underrepresentation of women from certain countries, in particular from developing countries, including least developed countries and small island developing States, and from countries with economies in transition, Taking note with appreciation of those departments and offices that have achieved the goal of gender balance, as well as of those departments that have met or exceeded the goal of 50 per cent in the selection of women candidates for vacant posts in the past year, Welcoming progress made in improving the representation of women at some levels of the Secretariat, but expressing concern that progress in improving the representation of women at the senior and policy-making levels has slowed, that the percentage of women appointed and promoted to one particular level has declined, and also expressing concern at the slow incremental pace at which the overall representation of women in the Secretariat has increased, Expressing concern that there are currently no women acting as special representatives or envoys, Noting that the statistics on the representation of women in the organizations of the United Nations system are not fully up to date, 1. Takes note with appreciation of the report of the Secretary-General and the actions contained therein; 4 2. Reaffirms the urgent goal of achieving 50/50 gender distribution in all categories of posts within the United Nations system, especially at the senior and policy-making levels, with full respect for the principle of equitable geographical distribution, in conformity with Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, and also taking into account the continuing lack of representation or under-representation of women from certain countries, in particular developing countries and countries with economies in transition; 3. Welcomes: (a) The ongoing personal commitment of the Secretary-General to meeting the goal of gender equality and his assurance that gender balance will be given the highest priority in his continuing efforts to bring about a new management culture in the Organization, including full implementation of the special measures for the achievement of gender equality; 5 (b) The pledge of the executive heads of the organizations of the United Nations system to intensify their efforts to meet the gender equality goals set out in the Beijing Declaration 6 and Platform for Action; 1 4 A/55/399 and Corr.1. ST/AI/1999/9. 6 Report of the Fourth World Conference on Women, Beijing, 4–15 September 1995 (United Nations publication, Sales No. E.96.IV.13), chap. I, resolution 1, annex I. 5 2