UAE Joins Francophonie Conference Focused on Women’s Progress

The United Arab Emirates took part in the 46th Ministerial Conference of La Francophonie, held in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, from 19th November for two days. This important international meeting gathered countries from across the francophone community to discuss key global issues. This year’s conference focused on the theme, “Thirty Years After the Beijing Conference: The Role of Women in the Francophone Space.” The theme aimed to highlight how women’s rights and participation have progressed since the historic Beijing Conference in 1995.

The UAE delegation at the event was led by Dr. Salem Al Neyadi, the UAE Representative to the International Organisation of La Francophonie. During the opening session, Dr. Al Neyadi emphasised that the UAE’s participation reflects the nation’s deep and long-standing commitment to supporting women in all areas of life. He explained that the UAE consistently works to strengthen women’s roles as key partners in development, both within the country and in the international community.

Dr. Al Neyadi also spoke about the progress the UAE has made in recent years in empowering women across different fields. He noted that these achievements were made possible through the guidance and support of the country’s wise leadership. The UAE has introduced strong policies, national strategies, and programmes that give women more opportunities in education, employment, leadership, and innovation.

He also stressed that the UAE is committed to working closely with other member states of the Francophonie to exchange experiences, share best practices, and support initiatives that help women achieve their full potential. According to Dr. Al Neyadi, international cooperation is essential to create environments where women can contribute fully to society.

In addition, Dr. Al Neyadi highlighted that the UAE actively takes part in various global initiatives that aim to improve women’s participation in all sectors. These efforts are in line with the UAE’s national vision, which places women’s empowerment at the heart of the country’s development plans. The UAE believes that societies can progress faster and more effectively when women have equal opportunities to take part in social, economic, and political life.

The UAE has been an active participant in the International Organisation of La Francophonie since joining in 2010. Over the years, the country has strengthened its engagement with the organisation to support global dialogue, cultural exchange, and international cooperation. The Organisation of La Francophonie is recognised as the second-largest international organisation after the United Nations, with 90 member states and governments from different regions around the world.

By participating in this year’s conference, the UAE reaffirmed its dedication to advancing women’s roles, supporting gender equality, and working with global partners to create a more inclusive and empowered world for future generations. The discussions and cooperation at the conference are expected to help member states enhance their strategies and strengthen their efforts toward women’s progress.