Post by : Maya Rahman

Organized by the League of Arab States and the General Women's Union (GWU), the inaugural meeting of the executive committee for the Arab Observatory for Women’s Economic Development welcomed national representatives from various Arab nations. This key session set the groundwork for the observatory’s pilot phase leading up to its official launch.

The discussions were centered on advancing regional initiatives to empower women economically, fostering a collaborative platform for the exchange of ideas, and developing beneficial strategies across the Arab region.

GWU Secretary-General and Chair of the Observatory’s Steering Committee, Noura Khalifa Al Suwaidi, opened the meeting with greetings from H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the “Mother of the Nation,” who also serves as Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union.

Al Suwaidi emphasized the pivotal roles of national focal points in realizing the initiatives of the observatory and enhancing women’s economic participation. She underscored the observatory's value as a symbol of constructive Arab cooperation and the commitment of the UAE to initiatives that empower women.

This initial gathering allowed participants to provide feedback, align their activities, and establish mechanisms for the observatory's effective operation. The goal of these discussions was to maximize its potential for a successful launch.

The observatory aims to become a vital center for data collection, best practices sharing, and program development that encourages women's involvement in entrepreneurship, employment, and leadership roles. By doing so, Arab states seek to pave the way for women to enhance their skills and significantly contribute to economic growth.

A key focus was the UAE’s vision for regional collaboration in women’s empowerment. The observatory intends to act as a benchmark for tracking advancements and aiding member states in enacting effective policies to bolster women’s economic positions.

Officials stressed that the observatory will deepen understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing women across various nations, assisting governments and organizations in formulating policies that encourage equality and bridge gaps for a more inclusive economic landscape.

The meeting wrapped up with a renewed commitment to sustain strong cooperation, ensuring the Arab Observatory for Women’s Economic Development turns into a practical, influential platform for enhancing women's economic empowerment in the region.

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