UAE Delegation Joins Global Dialogue On Women's Role In Peace At Geneva Forum

The UAE Parliamentary Group recently made a significant contribution at the 37th session of the Forum of Women Parliamentarians, which took place alongside the 148th IPU Assembly and the 213th session of the Governing Council in Geneva, Switzerland. This gathering served as a platform to deliberate on crucial matters including the draft resolution on "Addressing the social and humanitarian impact of autonomous weapon systems and artificial intelligence" by the Standing Committee on Peace and International Security, alongside pivotal issues surrounding women, peace, and security.

Members of the Federal National Council (FNC) represented the UAE Parliamentary Group at this forum, underscoring the UAE's commitment to gender equality and peacebuilding. The discussions at the forum revolved around enhancing gender equality through various activities that align with the General Assembly's objectives from a gender perspective, as well as initiatives by the IPU to foster gender equality globally.

In a compelling address on how parliamentarians can bolster women’s roles in peacebuilding and ensure their safety and inclusion in security decision-making, Dr. Moza Al Shehhi highlighted the indispensable role women play in maintaining peace and security. She emphasized the need for parliamentarians to promote legislative awareness about women's contributions to peacebuilding efforts.

Dr. Al Shehhi further pointed out that the UAE has been at the forefront of empowering women in security and peacebuilding domains. This is evident from the launch of the Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Women, Peace and Security Initiative by H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union (GWU), President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF), in collaboration with the United Nations. The initiative aims to bolster international cooperation to enhance capabilities at national, regional, and global levels in the realm of women, peace, and security. It seeks to foster an environment conducive for women's participation, elevate public awareness on gender and peacebuilding issues, and support decision-makers across the Arab region and worldwide in strengthening women's involvement in peacebuilding operations and activities.

This participation by the UAE Parliamentary Group underscores a significant stride towards promoting gender equality and supporting women's roles in peacebuilding on a global scale. It reflects a broader commitment by the UAE to contribute constructively to international discussions on peace, security, and gender equality.

With inputs from WAM