UAE Parliamentary Group participates in Women Parliamentarians Forum in Geneva

Forum of Women Parliamentarians

The UAE Parliamentary Group at the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) participated in the 37th session of the Forum of Women Parliamentarians, held on the sidelines of the 148th IPU Assembly and the 213th session of the Governing Council in Geneva, Switzerland.

The forum discussed the draft resolution of the Standing Committee on Peace and International Security on “Addressing the social and humanitarian impact of autonomous weapon systems and artificial intelligence", as well as issues related to women, peace, and security.

The UAE Parliamentary Group participating in the meeting included several members of the Federal National Council (FNC).

The meeting reviewed the activities to promote gender equality, contribute to the work of the General Assembly from a gender perspective, and the activities undertaken by the IPU to promote gender equality.

In a speech by the UAE Parliamentary Group on the topic of ‘how can parliamentarians support women’s peacebuilding efforts’, and ensure their safety, inclusion in peacebuilding, and sound security decision-making, Dr. Moza Al Shehhi said, “As parliamentarians, we have a responsibility to raise awareness about the importance of the role played by women in maintaining peace and security, especially in the field of supporting decision-making or raising legislative awareness about the role of women in peacebuilding.”

She added that the UAE's experience focuses primarily on developing the capabilities of women in security and peacebuilding, and that H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak (The Mother of the Nation), Chairwoman of the General Women's Union (GWU), President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF), launched the Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Women, Peace and Security Initiative in cooperation with the United Nations. The programme aims to enhance international cooperation to build national, regional, and global capabilities in the field of women, peace, and security, contribute to creating a conducive environment for women, raise public awareness about gender and peacebuilding, and support the role of decision-makers in the Arab region and the international community to build their capabilities in supporting women's participation in peacebuilding operations and activities.