UAE Delegation Led By Minister Of Family At The 69th UN Commission On Status Of Women

Sana bint Mohammed Suhail, Minister of Family, led the UAE delegation at the 69th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69). The session focused on reviewing the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, alongside outcomes from the 23rd special session of the General Assembly. These discussions centred on gender equality, development, and peace in the 21st century.

The UAE delegation included notable figures such as Noura Al Suwaidi, Secretary-General of the General Women's Union; Reem Al Falasi, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Motherhood and Childhood; Lt. Colonel Dana Al Marzooqi from the Ministry of Interior; Hanan Ahli from the Federal Competitiveness & Statistics Centre; and Dr. Mohamed Al-Kuwaiti, Head of Cyber Security Council for the UAE Government.

During CSW69's General Discussion, Sana bint Mohammed Suhail emphasised global progress in advancing women's rights over three decades. She stated, "It is more critical than ever that, going forward, the international community continues to deliver on promises made in Beijing and today." Her participation extended to a Ministerial Roundtable discussing national mechanisms for gender balance and empowerment.

Sana bint Mohammed Suhail highlighted UAE's initiatives for women's economic empowerment during these discussions. She noted that quotas have been introduced in both public and private sectors to ensure women hold at least one seat on Boards of Directors. This move aims to enhance women's decision-making roles across society.

On CSW69's sidelines, Sana bint Mohammed Suhail engaged in bilateral meetings with Dr. Maimoonah Khalil Al-Khalil from Saudi Arabia and Dr. Kateryna Levchenko from Ukraine. The UAE also launched an exhibition titled ‘Mother of the Nation’ at UN Headquarters. This exhibition honoured Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak’s leadership in advancing women’s roles as pillars of peace and development.

The Ministry of Interior and Federal Competitiveness & Statistics Centre hosted a side event titled ‘Leading by example beyond borders’. This event introduced a report detailing UAE's strategies against digital violence towards women. It outlined regulatory frameworks and preventive measures aimed at protecting women and girls.

Empowering Women Through Technology

Noura Al Suwaidi participated in a Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) co-hosted event focusing on ‘Women and Technology: Inspiring Stories in the GCC’. She highlighted UAE’s efforts to empower women in technology fields like AI, space exploration, and entrepreneurship through innovative initiatives.

The UAE also co-hosted an event with Jordan, KSA, Tunisia, Egypt, Oman, Morocco, and UN Women titled ‘The Role of National Strategies in Enhancing Women’s Economic Empowerment’. Noura Al Suwaidi reiterated UAE’s commitment to removing barriers hindering women's economic progress across various sectors.

Global Collaboration for Women's Empowerment

A collaborative side event with China, Cuba, KSA, Zambia, UN Women and UNFPA focused on ‘Technology and Women's Empowerment: Global South Perspective’. Hanan Ahli discussed leveraging technology to close digital gaps for women in STEM fields while ensuring financial access through policy innovation.

Hanan Ahli also joined a World Bank roundtable titled ‘The Future of Care: Investing in Women Entrepreneurs’. She stressed UAE's dedication to supporting women-led enterprises by integrating gender parity into national competitiveness strategies through public-private partnerships.

The UAE remains committed to fostering an inclusive economy by empowering women through strategic investments in technology and entrepreneurship. These efforts aim to create a resilient society where women can thrive across all sectors.

With inputs from WAM