Delivered by Ms. Fatima Al-Banna

Mr. President,

At the outset, I would like to express our appreciation to you for guiding this meeting and thank the rapporteurs for their reports.

This meeting is an important opportunity to consider our achievements and areas of development, as well as discuss policies and strategies for the advancement of women and girls. This is particularly crucial at a time when the world is enduring many conflicts and crises. 

Accordingly, allow me to share with you some of the policy recommendations, initiatives and partnerships that the UAE has adopted and implemented to empower and integrate women and girls:

First, achieving sustainable development and building strong and interconnected societies requires the inclusion of women and girls into national strategies and policies. In this regard, the UAE launched its National Policy for Empowerment of Emirati Women 2023 -2031, aimed at advancing the full, equal and meaningful participation of women in decision-making processes across sectors, including economic, legislative, social, and various sciences, including space and Artificial Intelligence.

Under the leadership and patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, “Mother of the Nation”, the UAE has also launched various national initiatives aimed at supporting, protecting and empowering women. As such, my country ranked first regionally and seventh globally in the 2024 UNDP Gender Equality Index, demonstrating my country’s strong commitment the advancement of women and girls as key to peace and sustainable development

Second, the international community must respond urgently to provide the necessary protection and support to women and girls affected by conflict. As the cruel war on Gaza reaches the one-year mark, we are witnessing the flames of the conflict spread across the region. While discussing today’s agenda item, we cannot turn a blind eye to the immense pain and suffering experienced by communities across the Middle East, particularly women and girls in Palestine and Lebanon.

While we believe that the protection of women and girls can only be achieved with an immediate and permanent ceasefire, my country remains committed to providing gender-responsive humanitarian assistance, such as sanitary and maternity kits, to conflict zones, including to Gaza, Lebanon and elsewhere.

Third, women and girls must be part and parcel of efforts that address emerging global threats. In this regard, my country signed, earlier this year, a Strategic Partnership Framework with UN Women, that established a Women’s Climate Fund, in order to support the efforts of women’s organizations working in the field of climate action.

In addition, during COP28, launched the “Gender-Responsive Just Transitions and Climate Action Partnership”, which was supported by more than 60 parties. This partnership aims to strengthen the role of women in sustainable adaptation, mitigation, and finance efforts.

In conclusion, Mr. President,

My country will continue to support the empowerment and protection of women and girls in the UAE, as well as at the regional and global levels. Excuses for excluding women are no longer acceptable. We must all commit ourselves to the same standards.

Thank you, Mr President