Noura Al Kaabi, Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), participated in the International Conference on Women, Peace, and Security (ICWPS 2024) together with ministers and delegates from 84 countries. The three-day event, which started on Monday, aimed to discuss the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1325.
During a panel discussion at the conference, Her Excellency expressed gratitude to the Philippine government for organizing the event. She also shared the UAE’s initiatives focused on empowering women in conflict prevention, resolution, and sustainable peacebuilding. Central to her address was the UAE’s National Action Plan, launched in 2021 under the auspices of Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak.
The National Action Plan, a groundbreaking initiative among Gulf Cooperation Council member states, aims to integrate gender perspectives into foreign policies, enhance women’s participation in conflict prevention, and increase their political involvement. Noura Al Kaabi also highlighted the Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Women Peace and Security Initiative, which has provided training to over 600 women across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East since its establishment in 2019.
The Minister of State emphasized that the UAE's commitment extends beyond national efforts and mentioned regional and international initiatives promoting the Women, Peace, and Security Agenda. She referenced a conference held in Abu Dhabi in September 2022, focusing on the roles of women in conflict-affected societies in the Arab world.
Furthermore, Noura Al Kaabi mentioned the UAE's additional contribution of USD 15 million to UN Women from 2023 to 2025, bringing the total contributions to over USD 46 million. As a founding member of the Network of National Focal Points for Women, Peace, and Security, the UAE has invested over USD 2 billion in initiatives across 113 countries to safeguard women and girls globally.
At the conference, the Minister highlighted the UAE's efforts in advancing women in peacebuilding, including an USD 800,000 contribution to support UN projects working to increase women’s representation in peacekeeping operations and post-conflict processes. The event was inaugurated by Louise Araneta-Marcos, First Lady of the Philippines, and UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed.
