Source: Madar Al Saa News Website
Published on 29/01/2023
With strong attendance and wide media coverage, the launch of the “Women in Government – Sustainability Forum” was announced today. It is the first forum of its kind focused on bringing together women from government and semi-government sectors across the Arab world to explore sustainable solutions and strengthen the role of women at all levels of government work.
This was announced during a press conference held today in Amman, Jordan, with the participation of H.E. Ambassador Ahmed Rashid Khattabi, Assistant Secretary-General and Head of the Media and Communication Sector at the League of Arab States, Dr. Ibrahim Abou Zekry, President of the Arab Producers Union, Dr. Rehab Zein El Din, Ambassador of Arab Women, and H.E. Dirar Belhoul Al Falasi, Member of the Federal National Council and CEO of Watani Al Emarat Foundation.
Women as Partners in Development
On this occasion, H.E. Ambassador Ahmed Rashid Khattabi emphasized in his speech that the League of Arab States is committed to supporting and empowering women in all sectors. He stated that women are partners with men in development, and that it is essential to provide the necessary support to help them play their role effectively.
He also highlighted that there are clear and successful examples across Arab countries, such as the UAE and Morocco, where women have gained stronger representation in parliament and across various government sectors.
Working Together to Build and Develop People
H.E. Dirar Belhoul Al Falasi, Member of the Federal National Council and CEO of Watani Al Emarat Foundation, said in his speech that the foundation, guided by the UAE leadership’s vision, strongly believes in building people and investing in their development.
He emphasized the importance of joint national efforts, as well as Arab cooperation, to create real and promising opportunities for sustainable development.
He also pointed out that the “Women in Government – Sustainability Forum,” organized by the Arab Women Campaign in partnership with Watani Al Emarat Foundation, aligns with the vision of H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, who declared 2023 as the “Year of Sustainability” in the UAE.
He also emphasized that the forum will not only be an important opportunity to highlight challenges, opportunities, and achievements with the participation of women from different Arab countries, but it will also lead to practical recommendations and innovative solutions that support greater progress in partnership with men toward achieving sustainable development.
A Milestone in Sustaining the Campaign’s Vision
In her speech, Dr. Rehab Zein El Din, Ambassador of Arab Women, said that since its establishment in 2005 at the headquarters of the League of Arab States, the Arab Women Campaign has been working under the umbrella of the General Union of Arab Producers, using visual, written, and audio media to support women’s issues under the slogan: “One Media for Women.”
She added:
“Today, through the Arab Women Campaign, and in partnership with Watani Al Emarat Foundation, we are announcing the launch of a new project titled ‘Women in Government – Sustainability Forum,’ which represents an important step in continuing our mission to support Arab women and highlight their achievements.”
She also noted that the “Women in Government – Sustainability Forum” will be held in Dubai throughout the year, across six sessions. Each session will last two days and will include workshops and studies discussing challenges, opportunities, and possible solutions related to the role of women in key sectors such as health, education, energy, media, security, tourism, diplomacy, and more.
Achievement After Achievement
In this context, Dr. Ibrahim Abou Zekry, President of the Arab Producers Union, stated in his speech that the union has made continuous efforts to launch media initiatives and projects that support joint Arab work.
He added that since its establishment 18 years ago by Dr. Mustafa Salameh, Secretary-General of the Union, and Dr. Rehab Zein El Din, Ambassador of Arab Women, the Arab Women Campaign has continued to achieve one success after another under the umbrella of the union, staying true to its original vision and goals.
It is worth noting that the “Women in Government – Sustainability Forum” was held as part of the second day of the “Government Institutions Forum for Sustainable Development,” organized by the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States (Media and Communication Sector) and the Arab Satellite Broadcasting Authority, in cooperation with the Arabian Media Network.