Saudi envoy chairs landmark global conference, says barriers denying women equal rights must fall
NEW YORK CITY: Saudi Arabia's permanent representative to the UN, Abdulaziz Alwasil, on Monday urged nations to use a pivotal conference in New York on the status of women not only as a chance to reflect on achievements to date, but to translate decades of commitments to gender equality into concrete, measurable action.
He warned that global challenges such as climate change, conflict and economic instability pose risks that could reverse the significant strides made in gender equality, and said true progress demands 'unwavering political will,' inclusive leadership and continuous investment.
His comments came during the opening session in New York of the 69th Commission on the Status of Women, which underscored the urgent need to advance efforts to achieve gender parity worldwide.
The commission, established in 1946, is a key global platform for gender equality and the empowerment of women. It meets annually to review and appraise progress toward these aims and make recommendations for further action.
This year's session marks the 30th anniversary of the historic 1995 Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a groundbreaking framework adopted by 181 countries during the 4th World Conference on Women. The declaration set ambitious goals for the advancement of women's rights, including equal access to education, healthcare and economic participation, and the eradication of violence against women and girls.
Alwasil, who serves as chairperson of the commission's 69th session, said it is important to reflect on the achievements that have been made since the Beijing Declaration, while also confronting the challenges that remain.
'The promise of Beijing remains as urgent as ever,' he added, acknowledging that although progress has been made — including more women in leadership positions, improved access to education, and the introduction of legal frameworks to advance gender equality — much still needs to be done.
He warned that global crises such as climate change, conflict and economic instability threaten to undo hard-won gains in gender equality, and that real progress requires political will, inclusive governance and sustained investments.
'We must create the conditions for women and girls to lead, shape policies and drive solutions," Alwasil said.
He highlighted the important need to convert commitments into concrete actions, and underscored the importance of a gender-equal approach in all policies and initiatives.
'Let us use this historic moment not only to reflect on our achievements and challenges, but also reignite our collective determination to turn commitments into concrete action,' he added.
'This means ensuring that gender equality is centered across all policies, which must be fully funded and implemented. It means dismantling the structural barriers that continue to exclude women and girls from leadership opportunity and equal rights.
'It means holding ourselves accountable, not only for the progress we celebrate, but for the gaps that persist.'
The Saudi envoy gave a portion of his speaking time to three remarkable women who shared their journeys. They included Jenna Riffi, a young woman from Saudi Arabia, who captivated the audience with the story of her personal journey as a trailblazer in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics).
At just 16 years old, she became the youngest member of the NEOM project team, a futuristic project to develop and build a sustainable, smart megacity in Saudi Arabia. As an advocate for the empowerment of women, she told how the support of her family, the Kingdom's Vision 2030 plan for national development and diversification, and international opportunities had enabled her to pursue a career in renewable energy and electrical engineering.
'I stand today as proof that determination, resilience and a supportive environment can empower young women to achieve incredible dreams,' Riffi said.
She credited Vision 2030 in particular for providing young women like her with opportunities to break barriers in traditionally male-dominated fields such as science and technology. Through educational programs and leadership initiatives, it has played a key role in changing the narrative about the roles of women in Saudi society, she added.
Riffi also highlighted the importance of continuing support for women and girls in all areas of life, noting: 'Every step you take builds a bridge for the next generations.'
The commission will convene for two weeks, during which delegates and advocates from around the world will discuss a range of critical topics, including poverty, work opportunities, climate change, violence against women, and youth engagement.
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