UAE Engages in Francophonie Conference to Enhance Women's Roles

The United Arab Emirates was represented at the 46th Ministerial Conference of La Francophonie in Kigali, Rwanda, on November 19-20. This significant global meeting convened nations from the francophone community to deliberate on pressing international matters. This year's focus was on the theme, “Thirty Years After the Beijing Conference: The Role of Women in the Francophone Space.” The aim was to spotlight the advancements in women’s rights and their contributions since the historic Beijing Conference of 1995.

Leading the UAE delegation was Dr. Salem Al Neyadi, the UAE Representative to the International Organisation of La Francophonie. In his opening remarks, Dr. Al Neyadi underscored the UAE’s strong and enduring commitment to empowering women in various facets of life. He stated that the UAE continually strives to enhance women’s roles as vital contributors to development, both domestically and globally.

He further detailed the progress the UAE has achieved in recent years concerning women's empowerment in diverse sectors, attributing these milestones to the guidance and foresight of the nation's leadership. The UAE has established solid policies and national frameworks that expand opportunities for women in education, employment, leadership, and innovation.

Dr. Al Neyadi reaffirmed the UAE's dedication to collaborating with other member states of the Francophonie to share knowledge, exchange best practices, and support initiatives that enable women to realize their full potential. According to him, fostering international cooperation is crucial for creating environments where women can fully engage in society.

Additionally, he pointed out the UAE’s active involvement in various global initiatives aimed at enhancing women’s representation across all sectors. These efforts align with the UAE’s national vision, placing women's empowerment at the core of the nation's development schemes. The UAE is convinced that societies evolve more rapidly and effectively when women receive equal opportunities in social, economic, and political spheres.

Since joining the International Organisation of La Francophonie in 2010, the UAE has consistently worked to bolster its engagement with the organization, promoting global dialogue, cultural exchange, and international cooperation. The Organisation of La Francophonie is recognized as the world’s second-largest international organization, following the United Nations, comprising 90 member states and governments from various continents.

By taking part in this conference, the UAE reasserted its commitment to advancing women’s roles, encouraging gender equality, and collaborating with international partners to build a more inclusive and empowered future for generations to come. The dialogues and collaborations from the conference are anticipated to aid member states in boosting their strategies and bolstering efforts for women’s progression.