Saudi Envoy Advocates for Gender Equality at UN Commission Conference
Saudi Arabia’s UN representative, Abdulaziz Alwasil, called for concrete action on gender equality at the 69th Commission on the Status of Women. Highlighting the need for political commitment amidst global challenges, he reflected on the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration. The conference includes inspiring contributions from women leaders and will address critical issues affecting women and girls globally over the next two weeks.
Saudi Arabia’s permanent representative to the United Nations, Abdulaziz Alwasil, emphasized the necessity for actionable measures on gender equality during the 69th Commission on the Status of Women conference in New York. He noted that global challenges like climate change and economic instability could potentially reverse progress toward achieving gender equality. In his opening statements, he called for unwavering political will and inclusive leadership to ensure continued advancement for women worldwide.
This year’s conference marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a significant framework adopted by 181 countries aimed at promoting women’s rights. Alwasil urged attendees to reflect on past achievements, while also recognizing the ongoing challenges faced by women and girls. He acknowledged improvements, such as increased representation of women in leadership roles and better access to education, yet insisted that much more work remains.
Alwasil advocated for creating environments that enable women and girls to lead and shape policies effectively. He encouraged participants to utilize this occasion not only for reflection but to reinforce collective resolve to transform commitments into actions. He stressed the need for gender equality to be integrated into all policies, which should be fully supported and implemented, while also aiming to eradicate barriers preventing women from accessing leadership opportunities.
In a poignant moment, Alwasil invited three distinguished women, including young Saudi innovator Jenna Riffi, to share their stories. Riffi, at merely 16 years old, joined the NEOM project team and described her journey in the STEM fields. She attributed her achievements to the support of her family, Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative, and international opportunities that have facilitated her career in renewable energy and electrical engineering.
She expressed, “I stand today as proof that determination, resilience, and a supportive environment can empower young women to achieve incredible dreams.” Riffi also highlighted the necessity of providing continuous support for future generations, stating, “Every step you take builds a bridge for the next generations.”
The commission will run for two weeks, addressing vital issues such as poverty, employment, climate change, violence against women, and youth engagement, aiming for comprehensive discussions on these critical topics.
The 69th Commission on the Status of Women conference served as a platform for reinforcing the commitment to gender equality. Abdulaziz Alwasil’s remarks highlighted the importance of turning commitments into actionable policies while emphasizing the challenges posed by global crises. The contributions of inspiring women, such as Jenna Riffi, illustrated the power of resilience and support in breaking barriers in traditionally male-dominated fields. Overall, the gathering aims to shape a more equitable future for women and girls worldwide.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
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