Delivered by HE Sana Suhail, Minister of Family
UNOFFICIAL TRANSLATION
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Mr. Chair,
At the outset, I would like to thank you for convening the sixty-ninth session of the Commission on the Status of Women. The United Arab Emirates also thanks the Secretary-General of the United Nations for his report and UN Women for its leadership and steadfast support to the Commission’s work.
Mr. Chair,
The Beijing Declaration and Platform of Action (BDPA) has been and remains one of the most important tools for the international community to achieve gender equality. This year, we celebrate the progress made over the last 30 years in the advancement, promotion and protection of women and girls around the world. It is more critical than ever that, going forward, the international community continues to deliver on its promises made in back in Beijing, and today.
Under the continued leadership and support of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the ‘Mother of the Nation’, my country has implemented a series of political reforms, global initiatives and strategic partnerships to support the empowerment, participation and inclusion of women and girls in all spheres and at all levels, as well as for the implementation of the BDPA.
The UAE would therefore like to highlight three priority areas that we believe are critical for the full, effective and accelerated implementation of the BDPA and the empowerment of women and girls everywhere:
First, equal and quality education for all remains the most valuable investment in peace, security and sustainable development. It is a fundamental pillar to ensure that women and girls are well-equip to participate fully, equally, and meaningfully in their societies, government institutions and the economy. In addition, it is where gender stereotypes and negative social norms are most effectively refuted. In the UAE, the school curricula for girls and boys include awareness-raising around advancing gender equality, preventing all forms of discrimination and violence against women and girls, and representing women and men equally without stereotypical roles.
Second, to truly ensure women and girls can reach their full potential, they must be protected from all forms of violence, online and offline. Throughout the past years, the UAE government strengthened its laws on protection from domestic violence, human trafficking, and workplace harassment. These laws are complemented by monitoring and response mechanisms like protection units, hotlines and electronic applications. There can never be a place for violence against women and girls in today’s world.
Third, as we look to the future, women and girls must have equal access to and be fully equipped for innovation and emerging technology, including Artificial Intelligence. The UAE has adopted new laws and policies, launched training programmes for women’s digital empowerment, as well as fostered partnerships with various stakeholders to include and protect women and girls online. Ending the digital gender divide is a prerequisite for the 2030 Agenda and beyond.
Mr. Chair,
As the world has witnessed increased instability, conflicts and crises around the world, preserving the hard-won gains in achieving gender equality has unprecedently become a daunting task for the multilateral system. The UAE remains a constructive partner in this regard.
Thank you.