UAE Participates in Francophonie Conference Highlighting Women’s Advancement

Post by : Mara Rahim

The United Arab Emirates engaged in the 46th Ministerial Conference of La Francophonie from November 19 to 20 in Kigali, Rwanda. This significant meeting united nations from the francophone community to address crucial global matters. The conference this year centered around the theme, “Thirty Years After the Beijing Conference: The Role of Women in the Francophone Space,” emphasizing progress in women’s rights and participation since the landmark Beijing Conference in 1995.

Heading the UAE delegation was Dr. Salem Al Neyadi, the UAE Representative to the International Organisation of La Francophonie. During the opening session, Dr. Al Neyadi underscored that the UAE’s involvement signifies the country’s enduring dedication to fostering women's empowerment across all spheres of life. He reinforced that the UAE continues to enhance women's roles as vital contributors to development both domestically and globally.

Dr. Al Neyadi pointed to recent advancements in the UAE, attributing these successes to the guidance and support of the nation’s visionary leadership. He noted that robust policies, national strategies, and initiatives have been established to promote women’s opportunities in education, work, leadership, and innovation.

He further highlighted the UAE’s commitment to collaborating with other member states of the Francophonie to share experiences, exchange best practices, and support programs that empower women. Dr. Al Neyadi reaffirmed that international cooperation is vital to creating environments where women can contribute fully to societal development.

Additionally, he emphasized the UAE’s active participation in numerous global initiatives focused on enhancing women’s involvement across different sectors. These initiatives align with the UAE’s national vision, which prioritizes women's empowerment as a cornerstone of the nation's developmental goals. Empowering women ensures faster and more effective societal progression.

Since joining in 2010, the UAE has played an integral role in the International Organisation of La Francophonie, strengthening its ties to promote global dialogue, cultural exchange, and international collaboration. The Organisation is recognized as the second-largest international entity following the United Nations, encompassing 90 member states and governments worldwide.

Through its presence at this year’s conference, the UAE reiterated its commitment to elevating women’s roles, advocating for gender equality, and collaborating with global partners to shape a more inclusive and empowered future for generations to come. The discussions and partnerships formed during this conference are anticipated to enhance strategies and amplify efforts toward women’s progress in member states.