Noura Al Kaabi Highlights UAE's Commitment To Women's Roles In Peacebuilding At International Conference

Noura Al Kaabi, Minister of State, attended the International Conference on Women, Peace, and Security (ICWPS 2024) in the Philippines. The event gathered ministers and delegates from 84 countries to discuss UN Security Council Resolution 1325. This resolution stresses women's equal involvement in peace and security efforts during conflicts and post-conflict recovery.

The conference began on Monday, with Louise Araneta-Marcos, the First Lady of the Philippines, inaugurating it. Amina Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, was also present. Noura Al Kaabi expressed gratitude to the Philippine government for hosting this significant event.

During a high-level panel discussion, Al Kaabi highlighted the UAE's dedication to enhancing women's roles in peacebuilding. She noted that women are vital in conflict prevention and resolution. The UAE has made notable progress in this area through initiatives like the National Action Plan supporting UN Security Council Resolution 1325.

This plan was introduced in 2021 by H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak. It was the first such initiative by a Gulf Cooperation Council member state. The plan aims to incorporate gender perspectives into foreign policies and ensure women's active participation in conflict prevention and politics.

Al Kaabi mentioned that the UAE's efforts extend beyond its borders. The country supports regional and international initiatives promoting the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) Agenda. One such event was held in Abu Dhabi in September 2022 under Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak's patronage.

The UAE launched the Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Women Peace and Security Initiative in 2019. This initiative focuses on boosting women's roles in security sectors by enhancing their skills. Over 600 women from Africa, Asia, and the Middle East have been trained under this programme.

Financial Contributions to Global Efforts

The UAE has financially supported various programmes advancing the WPS Agenda. From 2023 to 2025, an additional US$15 million will be contributed to UN Women for empowering women and promoting gender equality. Overall, over US$46 million has been donated to this UN agency.

As a founding member of the Network of National Focal Points of the United Nations on Women, Peace and Security, the UAE is committed to supporting women's leadership roles in peacebuilding. The country invested over US$2 billion across more than 113 countries for programmes protecting women and girls.

Support for UN Initiatives

The UAE contributed US$800,000 to support projects by the UN Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs. These projects aim to increase women's representation and effective participation in peacekeeping operations and post-conflict processes worldwide.

The conference served as a platform for sharing achievements and challenges related to implementing Resolution 1325 globally. It reinforced international cooperation towards achieving gender equality in peace efforts.

With inputs from WAM