MGN UNITED NATIONS (AP) – The head of UN Women challenged world leaders to help achieve gender equality by 2030 at the start of annual meeting devoted to improving the lives of females around the globe. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcukasaid said Monday at the opening of the two-week 60th Commission on the Status for Women that while progress has been made, many women and girls are still at risk and change is not coming fast enough. “Excellencies, in your hands is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to end poverty and transform gender relations irreversibly for the next generation, making the world a better place for all,” she said. The session will focus on gender equality, one of many sustainable development goals endorsed last year was outlined in the document “Transforming our World: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.” The document outlined 17 broad goals and 169 specific targets, with overarching aims including reducing poverty and inequality and preserving the environment. The Commission on the Status of Women was established by U.N. resolution in 1946.