RIYADH: The Saudi delegation at the UN in Geneva organized a ceremony on Saturday to mark the annual International Day of Women in Diplomacy.
Permanent Representative of Saudi Arabia to the UN Abdulmohsen Majed bin Khothaila, the members of the Saudi delegation, and diplomats and ambassadors from around the world attended the event, as well as media outlets, representatives of civil society and officials from international organizations.
A number of Saudi female diplomats were honored at the event.
Meanwhile, Arab Parliament Speaker Adel Al-Asoumi issued a statement commending the success of Arab women in many fields, especially diplomacy. Al-Asoumi noted that a number of women in the Arab world occupy high-level diplomatic positions and that many female ambassadors around the world are excellent figureheads for their countries, “as a result of their competence and merit.”
He said that the International Day of Women in Diplomacy “unequivocally affirms that women have actively served their country internally or externally” and called for greater efforts to benefit from Arab women’s qualifications and skills in support of diplomatic work in the Arab world.
Al-Asoumi congratulated and thanked Arab female diplomats for their valuable participation in their states’ foreign policies and the defense of their interests abroad.
Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Albudaiwi highlighted the role that women in the GCC have played in nurturing generation after generation, adding that they are “the pillar of the family.”
He said: “Today, as everyone knows, GCC women play a decisive diplomatic role regionally and globally, including in cementing ties among countries and spreading peace at regional and global levels.”
Albudaiwi also pointed out that female diplomats are a symbol of strength and creativity, as they have leadership skills and “distinguished negotiating capabilities,” and know how to deal with complex diplomatic challenges.
“Historically, there are many events in which women have proven their (abilities) in international summits and negotiations, and this has led to stronger diplomatic communications between our peoples, and to the promotion of peace and stability in the region,” he said.
He added that the status of GCC women in the diplomatic field shows the pride that leaders in the GCC take in promoting gender equality and supporting the role of women in decision-making.
“The GCC member states have, over the years, extended unwavering support to the diplomatic women of the GCC by tailoring a comprehensive and fair working environment for them, as well as removing all obstacles and challenges (they face) and ensuring they receive full support in successfully carrying out their duties,” he added.
