"General Women’s Union" He chairs the first meeting of the Executive Committee of the Arab Observatory for the Economic Development of Women
Abu Dhabi, December 3, 2017 – The League of Arab States and the General Women’s Union held the first meeting of the Executive Committee of the Arab Observatory for the Economic Development of Women, with the participation of focal points in Arab countries, with the aim of ensuring the smooth trial operation of the Observatory before its official launch, and enhancing joint Arab action efforts in supporting and empowering women economically.
Her Excellency Noura Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Secretary General of the General Women’s Union and Chair of the Steering Committee of the Arab Observatory for the Economic Development of Women in the League of Arab States, opened the meeting with a welcome speech in which she conveyed the greetings of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, “Mother of the Emirates,” President of the General Women’s Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, Supreme President of the Family Development Foundation, and her wishes to the Arab countries and members of the committee for success in their vital role as points of contact in activating the Observatory and enhancing its contribution to Empowering women economically at the regional level.
Al Suwaidi stressed that the Arab Observatory for Women’s Economic Development is the result of constructive Arab cooperation, embodying the UAE’s firm commitment to supporting joint Arab action, and its belief in the importance of providing a unified platform that enhances women’s participation in the economy and develops their capabilities.
She pointed out that the adoption of the observatory during the 33rd session of the Arab Summit reflects the appreciation of the Arab countries for the pioneering role of the UAE, and its close partnership with the League of Arab States in developing and implementing this qualitative initiative.
The meeting witnessed a detailed presentation of the work plan and operating mechanisms presented by Engineer Ghalia Ali Al-Mannai, Head of Strategic and Development Affairs at the General Women’s Union and Chair of the Observatory’s Executive Committee, in which she reviewed the initial operating stages, the governance framework, and the role of the steering and executive committees, in addition to clarifying the responsibilities of the contact points and the technical and organizational requirements that should be completed in member states before the official launch of the observatory.
Al-Mannai pointed out that this project will provide a platform that allows Arab countries to exchange expertise and successful experiences, enhance regional communication, and open new horizons for women entrepreneurs, thus contributing to consolidating the role of women as a major driver of economic growth and sustainable development in the region.
This meeting represents a pivotal step to ensure the effective experimental operation of the observatory and activate cooperation between member states, allowing the exchange of notes and the development of work mechanisms before the official launch.
The meeting aims to enable countries to actually start using the platform, and to enhance their technical and organizational readiness in preparation for the launch.
This joint move between the General Women’s Union and the League of Arab States comes within the framework of final preparations for the official launch of the Arab Observatory for Women’s Economic Development during the coming period, as the first Arab reference platform that contributes to enhancing the economic status of Arab women, and supporting national and regional efforts aimed at achieving sustainable development and empowering women in vital sectors.
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