The United Arab Emirates (UAE) recently showcased its initiatives aimed at empowering women and their participation across various sectors at the 69th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) in New York, which focused on reviewing and evaluating the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.

The session also addressed the outcomes of the 23rd special session of the General Assembly regarding gender balance, equality, development, and peace in the 21st century.

Heading the UAE delegation was Her Excellency Sana'a Mohamed Suhail, Minister of Community Development, accompanied by notable figures including Noura Al Suwaidi, Secretary-General of the UAE Gender Balance Council, Reem Al Falasi, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and other prominent officials from various sectors.

In her address to the Commission, Her Excellency Suhail highlighted the progress made over the past three decades in advancing the rights of women and girls globally, underscoring the need for the international community to remain committed to its previous promises made in Beijing.

During a ministerial roundtable focused on national mechanisms for gender balance and women's empowerment, ministers engaged in discussions sharing experiences, lessons learned, and best practices.

The dialogue emphasized strategies and core priorities needed to further advance gender equality and address existing gaps and challenges.

Her Excellency Suhail discussed the UAE's efforts aimed at advancing women's economic empowerment and their full, effective, and meaningful participation across all sectors.

She elaborated on the implementation of a quota system that mandates at least one seat for women on the boards of directors of both public and private joint-stock companies, ensuring gender parity and active participation.

Alongside the main proceedings, Her Excellency held a series of bilateral meetings with various officials, including Dr. Maimouna Al-Khalil, Secretary-General of the Family Affairs Council of Saudi Arabia, and Dr. Kateryna Levchenko, the government commissioner for gender policy in Ukraine.

The UAE, represented by the Ministry of Interior, launched an exhibition titled “Mother of the Nation” at UN headquarters in honor of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, recognizing her contributions to women's advancement and highlighting the nation's efforts in promoting women and girls as foundational elements for peace, prosperity, security, and sustainable development.

In a related context, the Ministry of Interior and the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority hosted a side event titled “Leading by Example Across Borders: Strategies to Combat Violence and Digital Violence Against Women.”

This event saw the launch of a report detailing the UAE's regulatory organizational model and preventive strategies aimed at combating digital violence and protecting women and girls, outlining various regulatory frameworks, preventive measures, and strategic initiatives adopted by the state.

Noura Al Suwaidi also participated in a side event organized by the Gulf Cooperation Council titled “Women and Technology: Inspiring Stories in GCC Countries.” She highlighted the UAE's efforts to empower women and girls in the fields of technology and innovation, showcasing pioneering initiatives that encourage their leadership in artificial intelligence, space, and entrepreneurship.

The UAE partnered with countries including Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, Egypt, Oman, Morocco, and UN Women to sponsor a side event focused on “The Role of National Strategies and Collective Efforts in Enhancing Women's Economic Empowerment in the MENA and Gulf Region.” During this meeting, Al Suwaidi reiterated the UAE's commitment to breaking barriers and advancing women’s economic progress across all sectors.

The UAE, in collaboration with China, Cuba, Saudi Arabia, Zambia, UN Women, and the UN Population Fund, hosted a side event titled “Technology and Women’s Empowerment: Perspectives and Practices from the Global South.” Hanan Ahli reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to leveraging technology to bridge digital gaps and expand meaningful participation of women in STEM fields and entrepreneurship while ensuring access to financing and digital safety through policies, innovation, and global cooperation.

Ahli also participated in a roundtable hosted by the World Bank on “The Future of Care: Investing in Women Entrepreneurs to Provide Large-Scale Care Solutions.”