UAE Unveils Strategic Vision For Arab Observatory On Women's Economic Development At Cairo Meeting

The UAE, under the guidance of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, participated in a significant meeting at the League of Arab States headquarters in Egypt. This gathering focused on launching "The Arab Observatory for Women's Economic Development." The initiative was part of the 33rd session resolution of the Arab League Council at the 2024 Arab Summit.

The UAE delegation was led by Noura Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Secretary-General of the General Women’s Union (GWU), and included Ghalia Ali Al Mannai, Head of Strategic and Development Affairs at GWU. Ambassador Haifa Abu Ghazaleh, Assistant Secretary-General and Head of Social Affairs at the League, and Mariam Al Kaabi, UAE Ambassador to Egypt, also attended.

This initiative aims to enhance women's roles in the Arab economy through transformative efforts that address structural challenges. It seeks to create sustainable systems for increasing women's participation in development pathways. This aligns with both the Arab Development Agenda (2023–2028) and the UN Sustainable Development Goals 2030.

Dr. Haifa Abu Ghazaleh highlighted that this initiative showcases the UAE's ambitious vision to support women's leadership and economic contributions. The goal is to establish a comprehensive regional system that expands opportunities for growth and empowerment across the Arab world.

Noura Al Suwaidi emphasised the UAE's dedication to joint Arab action as a foundation for integration and sustainable development. She stated, "This initiative aims to bring about a transformational shift in the status of Arab women by establishing the first integrated platform that brings together all relevant stakeholders across Arab countries to support the growth of women’s businesses and economic participation."

Ghalia Ali Al Mannai presented strategic objectives for the Observatory during the meeting. She outlined future expansion plans and sustainability strategies to enhance its regional role. This effort is part of broader initiatives supporting joint Arab action and women's roles in sustainable development.

The League of Arab States collaborates with member states to activate regional mechanisms supporting women's economic empowerment. This reflects a collective commitment to enhancing women's roles in achieving sustainable development goals across the region.

The meeting underscored efforts to bolster joint Arab action and elevate women's roles in sustainable development. The League works with member states on regional mechanisms supporting women's economic empowerment.

With inputs from WAM