ABU DHABI, 29th August, 2023 (WAM) — Under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, President of the Women’s General Union (GWU), President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood and Supreme President of the Family Development Fund. (FDF), “Mother of the Nation”, GWU, in cooperation with the COP28 Committee, organized a panel discussion on the topic “Emirati Women and a Sustainable Environment”.
The meeting began with a speech by Sheikha Fatima, which was delivered on her behalf by the adviser to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Hessa bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan.
In her speech, Sheikha Fatima said: “I am honored to address all of you and I would like to congratulate the women of the Emirati and all other women of the country and wish them more progress and well-being.”
“Every year we honor the daughters of Zayed and I feel gratitude, respect and pride for every woman who contributed to the progress and prosperity of our country and worked hard to create a brighter, more developed and magnificent future for our Motherland.” Greetings to every woman who has fulfilled her family responsibilities as a faithful daughter, a supportive wife, and a caring mother to future generations. This role I consider the most noble and influential on Earth, as it has a vital impact on the education of our children and daughters, as well as the preservation of our rich and ancient culture, passed down from generation to generation.
“This beloved nation of ours will always be a symbol of the wise connection between past, present and future, as well as an oasis of human creativity, innovation and humanitarian aid that knows no bounds under the wise leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed. Al Nahyan, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidential Court, and their brothers, members of the Supreme Council and rulers of the Emirates. They strive tirelessly to ensure that our nation achieves a distinguished status that will shape a future fit for our future generations,” he added.
“We honor our country’s achievements in various fields and are proud of its progress and outstanding reputation, especially in women’s empowerment. We pay tribute to the founder and symbol of the state, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who was the main protector and motivator of the women of the Emirates, creating a living and eternal legacy in the hearts of our sons and daughters,” he stressed. .
“The UAE leadership has demonstrated its confidence in the skills and role of women, especially during the Year of Sustainable Development launched by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, who declared it the theme of 2023. This is also evident in the UAE’s preparations for the Year of Sustainability. 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28). Some of the prominent women who are leading and contributing to this global event are Shamma Al Mazrui, Minister of Community Development and COP28 Youth Climate Advocate Razan Al Mubarak. , Senior UN Climate Champion at COP28, and Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, Minister for Climate Change and the Environment. In addition, many women are part of the national team that is organizing this important event, underscoring the UAE’s prominent position in the global climate change arena,” he added.
“Climate change is a rapidly escalating global problem with heatwaves, droughts, hurricanes, fires and floods becoming more frequent and intense. These extreme weather events have a devastating impact on people and communities, especially the most vulnerable groups, including women. The United Nations (UN) and many countries around the world have recognized the need for gender-sensitive action to combat climate change. This means taking into account the specific needs and vulnerabilities of women in the development of climate policies and programs,” she explained.
Sheikha Fatima said the GWU is following the lead of the UAE leadership and launching initiatives that support the country’s efforts to protect the climate for the benefit of future generations by creating an enabling environment for women and raising public awareness of gender equality and climate change.
She also stressed the importance of women’s participation in the climate change action system, which plays an important role in addressing the root causes of global problems affecting sustainable development, stating that climate change is one of the fundamental pillars of sustainable development.
“The Climate Change and Gender Equality Initiative is a prime example of efforts to empower women in climate change discussions. This is a joint project of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, GWU and the United Nations Office for Women in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GGC) region. The initiative aims to create a comprehensive program of activities to promote women’s participation in climate change dialogues,” she said.
“This day marks the anniversary of the founding of GWU in 1975. I am honored to be part of the COP28 leadership team and also proud to be the first Arab woman to lead IUCN, a global conservation organization. I owe this opportunity to my homeland, which gave me and many other women the opportunity to represent our country at COP28, where we represent more than half of our negotiators,” she added.
Haifa Al Kaylani, Chairman of the Board of the International Arab Women’s Forum, said she was delighted to join the Emirates Women’s Day celebrations, commending the UAE’s leadership in the advancement and empowerment of women and encouraging their engagement in business and sustainable development in various sectors. .
He also stressed that the UAE’s nomination of women leaders at COP28 demonstrates their commitment to a global sustainable future and will show the world how to overcome challenges and develop cooperation, highlighting that the UAE has made significant progress with its leadership’s strategic investment in education over many decades, which has transformed country into a global center of knowledge, research and science.
The session was attended by several prominent leaders who shared their views.
Almheiri emphasized the importance of COP28 for the global community and the country, noting that the Ministry of Climate Change and the Environment is working to address climate change and ensure a sustainable future for the next generations.
Dr. Nawal Al Hosani, UAE Representative to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), explained the agency’s mission and the key energy challenges facing the world and the UAE, noting the country’s clean and alternative energy initiatives and how they contribute to the fight with climate change.
Ghaya Al Ahbabi, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Youth Ambassador for COP28, concluded the session speaking on behalf of future generations, stating that Emirati women have long been committed to sustainable development, even before it became a popular concept.
She also talked about traditional home farming practices and creative recycling, adding that she and her colleagues are determined to continue these practices to save the environment.
The General Women’s Union also organized a side exhibition showcasing traditional dresses and heritage items made from recycled materials. This exhibition showcases Emirati heritage through the traditional dress of Emirati women and highlights innovative and engaging ways to repurpose household items. These products were created by the Emirates Academy of Craftswomen, founded by Sheikha Fatima in 2020, with the aim of promoting the Emirati heritage and passing it on to future generations.
Translation: Mina Sameer Foke
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