UAE showcases women empowerment model at UN forum

The UAE has reaffirmed its strong commitment to women’s empowerment and gender equality during the 2025 High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development in New York.

Speaking at the UN gathering, the UAE delegation showcased the country’s model of inclusive development—built on empowering women, supporting families and driving progress through equality in education, work, and leadership.

The delegation highlighted national milestones, including equal pay legislation, constitutional protections for gender equality, and the rising number of women in leadership—now making up 50 per cent of the Federal National Council and 26 per cent of Cabinet positions.

Women also account for nearly half of STEM graduates and 80 per cent of the scientific team behind the Emirates Mars Mission.

The UAE also emphasised its global efforts, including programmes like Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak’s Women in Peace and Security Initiative, offering its experience to help accelerate gender progress worldwide.

On the sidelines of the forum, the UAE Consulate and National SDG Secretariat hosted a roundtable focused on innovation in promoting gender equality beyond 2030.

The event tackled the digital gender divide, care economy reforms, and boosting women in leadership—with voices from international experts, including ministers, UN leaders and private sector figures.

Officials stressed that empowering communities, especially women and families, remains both the foundation and future of sustainable development.