Latest news with #AbdulazizAlwasil
Arab News
13 hours ago
- Politics
- Arab News
Saudi UN envoy demands global action to protect kids in conflict zones, condemns Gaza violence
NEW YORK CITY: Saudi Arabia's permanent representative to the UN, Abdulaziz Alwasil, called on Wednesday for urgent international action to protect children in conflict zones, warning that failure to do so would undermine efforts to build more stable and prosperous societies. Speaking at a UN Security Council meeting convened to discuss the effects of armed conflicts on youngsters, Alwasil emphasized the importance of protecting children, describing it as a legal obligation and moral responsibility, particularly in nations affected by prolonged violence. During the session, UN officials detailed an unprecedented surge in the number of grave violations against children during armed conflicts worldwide. The meeting followed the publication of a devastating annual report by the UN secretary-general's special representative for children and armed conflict, Virginia Gamba. It documented 41,370 grave violations against children during 2024, a 25 percent increase compared with the previous year, and the highest number since the UN's Monitoring and Reporting Mechanism was established in 2005. The verified abuses of children spanned 25 countries and included killings, maiming, recruitment, abductions, sexual violence, attacks on schools and hospitals, and denial of access to humanitarian assistance. 'This year marked a devastating new record,' Gamba told council members. 'Behind these numbers are the shattered stories, dreams and futures of over 22,000 children.' She cited a sharp increase in 'compounded violations,' in which children were abducted, recruited and sexually abused, often simultaneously, in the context of deteriorating humanitarian crises. Israel was responsible for the highest number of violations by a single country against children in 2024, the report stated. Alwasil said: 'As we approach the 20th anniversary of Resolution 1612, which established mechanisms for monitoring violations against children in armed conflict, the international community must focus on two priorities: We must break the cycle of violence and create an environment that rejects extremism and fosters resilience.' The envoy expressed appreciation for Gamba's work, and emphasized the Kingdom's commitment to the application of international legal instruments, including the Convention on the Rights of the Child and its optional protocols. He stressed the shared responsibility of all parties for the protection of children and for efforts to address the root causes of armed violence. Turning to the crisis in Gaza in particular, Alwasil sharply rebuked Israeli authorities over their military operations in the territory. 'What is happening in Gaza now is a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law and humanitarian values,' he said. 'Civilians live under constant bombardment and a suffocating blockade, facing systematic aggression by Israeli armed forces. This has led to the deaths of 55,000 Palestinians, most of them women and children.' The war has deprived more than 1 million children in Gaza of basic necessities, including food and medicine, Alwasil said. He called for immediate international action to end the conflict, protect vulnerable populations and hold accountable those responsible for violations. 'The Kingdom affirms that the protection of children in areas of armed conflict is a legal duty that cannot be shirked, and a moral responsibility that cannot be ignored,' he concluded. 'Saudi Arabia supports all UN efforts aimed at protecting civilians, and enhancing international cooperation to respond to the suffering of children affected by war, wherever they may be.'
Arab News
11-03-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Women are ‘agents of change' driving societal shifts: Saudi UN envoy
NEW YORK: Women are vital partners and agents of change, driving positive societal shifts ranging from economic growth and social justice to peace building, Saudi Arabia's permanent representative to the UN has said, adding that their empowerment is essential to achieving a sustainable and more equitable world. Speaking at a high-level side event during the 69th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women, Abdulaziz Alwasil outlined the Kingdom's transformative strides in advancing gender equality and women's empowerment across various sectors. The event, titled 'From Vision to Reality: Saudi Arabia's Story of Women's Empowerment,' shed light on the policies and initiatives that have propelled women's participation in the labor market and promoted their roles in diverse fields, such as technology, innovation, and renewable energy. Alwasil told leading officials at the event that the Kingdom has launched a series of policies and initiatives to enhance women's participation in the labor market and alleviate family burdens that may hinder them from achieving their academic and professional aspirations. He said that the Kingdom's efforts have gone beyond setting ambitious goals. Saudi Arabia initially aimed for a 30 percent women's participation rate in the labor market by the third quarter of 2024. However, that target was exceeded ahead of schedule, with women now making up 36.2 percent of the workforce. 'This achievement underscores the Kingdom's commitment to empowerment and reflects women's significant efforts in strengthening their economic involvement,' Alwasil said, emphasizing the importance of creating flexible work environments that support women's academic and professional ambitions. The Saudi envoy highlighted the government's collaborative efforts with civil entities to provide sustainable solutions that promote job stability and ensure women can fully contribute to both economic and social development. He said that in addition to expanding opportunities in traditional sectors, Saudi Arabia is pushing for women's involvement in non-traditional fields such as technology, cybersecurity, and renewable energy — key sectors that align with the country's national ambitions and the evolving demands of the global economy. 'Women are critical partners in our journey toward a prosperous future,' Alwasil said, reaffirming the Kingdom's dedication to promoting gender equality in sectors such as science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and health. However, Alwasil also acknowledged persistent challenges, especially in conflict zones. 'We face unprecedented crises marked by regional and international tensions,' he said. 'While progress has been made, these crises are accelerating a concerning decline, particularly for women in conflict zones.' In response, Saudi Arabia is committed to protecting women globally, especially in conflict-stricken areas, and is collaborating with regional and international organizations to ensure their safety and empowerment, said Alwasil. The Kingdom is also supporting policies that involve women in peacebuilding and humanitarian efforts. Alwasil reiterated Saudi Arabia's pledge to remain a pioneer in women's empowerment, ensuring that women are active participants in all aspects of society. 'Women are vital partners and agents of change,' he said. 'Their empowerment is essential to achieving a sustainable and more equitable world.'
Arab News
10-03-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
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.
