Summary of the Statement:

Submitted under Item 3 entitled “Economic Empowerment of Women and Youth as a Means of Social Peace.” Reviews recent UN reports and highlights UAE policies as a comprehensive model.

Content of the Statement:

• Drew upon reports:
  • Beijing+30 Review (UN Women) noting setbacks in women’s rights in 25% of countries.
  • UNDP Report (DP/2025/13) affirming economic empowerment as the foundation of stability.
  • World Bank Strategy (2024–2030) targeting 300 million women with internet access and 80 million women with financing.
  • Inter-Parliamentary Union data on women’s representation (29.1%).
• UAE achievements:
  • Women’s Empowerment Strategy (2023–2031).
  • UAE Youth Council.
  • Equal pay and anti-discrimination laws.
  • Support for SMEs through Khalifa Fund and Mohammed bin Rashid Foundation.
  • Women constitute 66% of government workforce and 30% of leadership positions.
  • 50% of Federal National Council seats for women.
  • Digital initiatives such as 100 Mentors and Bidaya.
  • Mandatory women’s representation on corporate boards.
  • Support for international projects for girls in Africa and Asia.
• Recommended integrating economic empowerment into human rights strategies, and enhancing participation of women and youth in the green and digital economy.

Importance of the Statement:

• Positions economic empowerment as a preventive tool against extremism and conflict.
• Presents the UAE as a state that embedded empowerment in its laws, institutions, and foreign policy.
• Reflects the role of women and youth as drivers of stability and development.
• Links UAE’s role to SDGs 5, 8, and 16.