Saudi Crown Prince Hosts UN Conference on Gender Equality Challenges
Saudi Arabia’s Abdulaziz Alwasil emphasizes the need for actionable commitments to gender equality at the 69th Commission on the Status of Women in New York. He highlights the global challenges that threaten gender progress while celebrating achievements made since the 1995 Beijing Declaration. Young innovator Jenna Riffi shares her inspirational journey in STEM, showcasing the impact of supportive policies like Vision 2030. The conference will address various significant issues impacting women’s rights.
Saudi Arabia’s permanent representative to the United Nations, Abdulaziz Alwasil, called for nations to use the ongoing conference in New York as an opportunity not only to assess past achievements but also to commit to actionable steps towards gender equality. He emphasized that significant global challenges, including climate change and economic instability, risk reversing the progress made in this area, thus urging for consistent political engagement and investment.
During the 69th Commission on the Status of Women opening session, Alwasil reflected on the importance of the commission, created in 1946, as a fundamental platform for promoting gender equality. This year’s session coincides with the 30th anniversary of the pivotal 1995 Beijing Declaration, which established ambitious goals for women’s rights and equality, including education access and healthcare.
Alwasil acknowledged the importance of reflecting on progress since the Beijing Declaration while addressing remaining challenges. He affirmed that the commitment to advancing women’s rights remains pressing. Despite visible advancements like increased female representation in leadership, more efforts are essential to address persisting gaps in gender equality.
Advocating for women and girls to have a role in shaping policies, Alwasil stated, “We must create the conditions for women and girls to lead, shape policies and drive solutions.” He called for a systematic approach to ensure gender equality is embedded in all policies, emphasizing the need for accountability in acknowledging gaps that still exist.
During his address, Alwasil provided a platform for three women, including Jenna Riffi, a young Saudi trailblazer in STEM. At 16, Riffi became the youngest member of the NEOM project team, which aims to create a sustainable megacity in Saudi Arabia. She spoke of how supportive family, Vision 2030, and international opportunities facilitated her pursuit of a career in renewable energy and electrical engineering.
“I stand today as proof that determination, resilience, and a supportive environment can empower young women to achieve incredible dreams,” Riffi stated, also highlighting Vision 2030’s pivotal role in altering perceptions about women in Saudi society. She stressed the need for ongoing support for women and girls across all fields, remarking that every step taken creates opportunities for future generations.
The conference will span two weeks, during which global delegates will address crucial issues such as poverty, workplace opportunities, climate change, violence against women, and youth engagement, continuing the dialogue on enhancing gender equality efforts.
In conclusion, the 69th Commission on the Status of Women represents a significant platform for advancing gender equality. Abdulaziz Alwasil’s insights highlight the urgency of moving from commitments to concrete actions, particularly amidst global challenges. The stories shared by women like Jenna Riffi illustrate the positive impact of supportive initiatives on female empowerment. The conference is an opportunity for global collaboration to address critical barriers and promote actionable strategies for women’s rights.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
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