Latest news with #InternationalDayofWomeninDiplomacy
The Diplomat
08-07-2025
- Politics
- The Diplomat
‘The Last Ambassador': An Afghan Diplomat Without a Country
Manizha Bakhtari may no longer represent a state, but she represents a nation of women fighting to be seen, heard, and educated. 'The Last Ambassador,' a new documentary screened at Vienna's Filmcasino in the city's 5th district on July 1, offered a moving portrait of Manizha Bakhtari, Afghanistan's ambassador to Austria, who continues to serve her people despite no longer representing a recognized government. Organized by the Maltese delegation to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) to mark the International Day of Women in Diplomacy, the event brought together diplomats, civil society leaders, and human rights advocates to reflect on the cost of silence, and the power of principled resistance. Directed by Austrian filmmaker Natalie Halla, 'The Last Ambassador' was filmed over three and a half years, blending observational footage, interviews, and personal archives to chronicle Bakhtari's resistance from exile. 'I have dedicated my whole life to Afghanistan and its people,' Bakhtari says in the film, a statement that defines not only her career but also her personal sacrifices after Afghanistan's political collapse. Since the Taliban's return to power in August 2021, Afghanistan has ceased to function as a democratic state. The Islamic Emirate of Taliban remains unrecognized by the international community yet governs with totalitarian control, particularly over women. While many diplomats resigned or were dismissed, Bakhtari chose another path. She remains ambassador to Austria, not representing the Taliban, but defending the Afghan people. 'I do not represent a government, but I represent my people,' she declared. In her virtual post-screening remarks from Canada, Bakhtari echoed the film's themes: diplomacy, she argued, demands moral courage as much as protocol. 'Is diplomacy only about maneuvering within formal structures, or can it also be about raising our voices when justice is denied?' Her stance challenges traditional diplomacy, suggesting advocacy and moral clarity may matter more than allegiance to any state. Gender Apartheid and a Nation in Collapse Under Taliban rule, Bakhtari described Afghanistan as a humanitarian catastrophe, especially for women and girls. 'Girls are systematically denied the right to education. Women are erased from public life,' she said. 'A deliberate system of gender apartheid is in place.' Since 2021, the Taliban have barred girls from secondary school and university, excluded women from work, and restricted their movement without a male guardian, violating international treaties, including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, which Afghanistan ratified in 2003. 'This is not a slogan,' Bakhtari stressed. 'Gender equality is a fundamental element of human rights.' Alongside the Afghan diaspora, she supports a global campaign to recognize 'gender apartheid' as a crime under international law. Codifying the term, she argued, would validate Afghan women's experiences and enable accountability. 'Language matters. A legal framework matters,' she told the audience. 'Without it, how can we hold regimes like the Taliban accountable?' The Cost of Engagement Bakhtari warned against international normalization of the Taliban, in remarks that came mere days before Russia announced it was officially recognizing the regime. While some argue for limited engagement to deliver aid, she rejects the approach. 'Engaging with the Taliban does not help the people of Afghanistan,' she said. 'For four years, the United Nations and many countries have tried to include them. But they do not listen, and they do not change.' She urged organizations to avoid legitimizing the Taliban through invitations to negotiations, warning that unconditional engagement emboldens repression. Among the regime's most alarming policies is the gutting of formal education. Bakhtari cited data showing 6,813 madrassas (Islamic seminaries) and 5,000 private religious schools operating nationwide. While not opposed to religious education, she stressed it cannot replace formal schooling. 'For four years, our girls have not been going to school. That affects this generation and the next,' she said. 'We are educating another generation of extremists.' She called for international support for underground and online schools to prepare Afghan girls for a future beyond Taliban rule. A New Kind of Diplomacy Over the past four years, Bakhtari has redefined diplomacy, leading campaigns, speaking at global forums, and confronting institutional complacency. Yet she insists this is not activism replacing diplomacy, but diplomacy reimagined. 'My intention was and is to uphold diplomatic norms while remaining firm in my demands,' she said. 'Our hard-fought gains are at risk of being reversed. We must explore new tools and new approaches within diplomacy.' In her vision, diplomacy is not compromise, it is the defense of values. And values, she said, must endure even when governments fall. While the film focuses on Bakhtari's public role, it also reveals personal moments, her wedding, memories of her late father, a celebrated Afghan poet who died in Los Angeles. These scenes root her identity not just in politics but in a profound connection to her homeland. The documentary ends with a haunting sequence: Bakhtari standing at the Tajikistan-Afghanistan border, gazing across the river at her country. It is as close as she can get, a moment of exile and longing, visibly moving. Here, the emotional weight of her role becomes undeniable: so near to home, yet unable to return. 'The Last Ambassador' is more than a documentary. It is a statement of resistance, and a call to action. It showcases a woman who stripped of her official mandate, refuses to surrender her voice. 'We must uphold the principles we have established over centuries, regardless of the wishes of a few politicians who may think otherwise,' Bakhtari concluded. Her story is one of a diplomat turned advocate, a patriot in exile, a woman who cannot go home but will not look away. As the audience left Vienna's Filmcasino, one truth was clear: Manizha Bakhtari may no longer represent a state, but she represents a nation of women fighting to be seen, heard, and educated. And as long as that fight continues, her diplomacy, bold, moral, and unyielding, belongs on the world stage.
Ya Biladi
27-06-2025
- Politics
- Ya Biladi
UN honors Moroccan diplomat Halima Ouarzazi at International Day of Women in Diplomacy
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights paid tribute Tuesday in Geneva to Moroccan diplomat Halima Ouarzazi, a pioneer of African female diplomacy, who passed away on May 14 after a distinguished career in international service. «Women, in all their diversity, have been working in diplomacy for generations. Halima Ouarzazi from Morocco and Belela Herrera from Uruguay, both recently deceased, are two cherished examples among many», said Nada Al-Nashif, Deputy High Commissioner, at the opening of an event marking the International Day of Women in Diplomacy during the 59th Human Rights Council (HRC) session. Ouarzazi represented Morocco with distinction, serving as Chair of the UN Third Committee, an expert with the UN Committee against Apartheid and Racial Discrimination, and a member of both the Council and Executive Committee of the International Institute of Human Rights. She also sat on the UN Sub-Commission on the Prevention of Discrimination and the Protection of Minorities. Her legacy was also honored through a photography exhibition titled Women Leaders in Multilateralism and Diplomacy, held at the Palais des Nations from June 24 to July 4. This year marks the first observance of the International Day of Women in Diplomacy, focused on removing barriers to women's leadership in peace and diplomacy. The event follows HRC Resolution 58/15, led by Morocco during the Council's 58th session. Backed by a cross-regional group including Chile, the Maldives, Mexico, Slovenia, Spain, and Mauritius, the resolution reflects a core priority of Moroccan foreign policy: advancing gender equality and promoting women's leadership in diplomacy and multilateral spaces. The group also called for stronger recognition of women's contributions in conflict prevention, peacebuilding, humanitarian response, and decision-making, including within the Human Rights Council itself.
Al Etihad
26-06-2025
- Politics
- Al Etihad
UN Women Liaison Office for GCC marks International Day of Women in Diplomacy
26 June 2025 11:17 ABU DHABI (WAM) The UN Women Liaison Office for the Gulf Cooperation Council marked International Day of Women in Diplomacy on June 24, spotlighting the critical role women play in shaping global office commended the UAE for its pioneering efforts to empower women and elevate their participation in foreign policy, regionally and International Day of Women in Diplomacy was unanimously adopted by the UN General Assembly during its 76th session, with the UAE playing a central role in co-sponsoring the resolution. The observance affirms the importance of enhancing women's representation in diplomatic missions and international annual observance aligns with SDG 5, which focuses on achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls. It particularly underscores the need for women's equal participation in decision-making processes, including political and public life, a vital element for sustainable development, peace, and global this occasion, Dr. Mouza Al Shehhi, Director of the UN Women Liaison Office for the GCC, highlighted the visionary leadership of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak "Mother of the Nation', Chairwoman of the General Women's Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, for her historic role in advancing women's empowerment across all Al Shehhi noted that Sheikha Fatima's directive to establish and host the office in the UAE marked a strategic step in promoting international collaboration and reinforcing the country's position as a global hub for women's advancement.'Thanks to the unwavering support of the UAE's leadership, women have made remarkable strides, including in diplomacy,' said Dr. Al Shehhi. 'The UAE ranks 7th globally and 1st regionally in the UN Gender Equality Index, which reflects the nation's firm commitment to gender parity.'Official data illustrates the UAE's strong track record in this sector. Women represent 49.5 per cent of the workforce at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and nearly 60 per cent of graduates from the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy are 587 Emirati women serve in the Ministry and its foreign missions, including 275 diplomats, comprising 42 per cent of all Emirati women employed at the Ministry. These figures exceed many global eight Emirati women currently hold ambassadorial or permanent representative posts at regional and international organisations — a testament to their leadership and capabilities in a field long perceived as male-dominated.'Our deepening partnership with the UAE stands as a testament to a shared commitment to women's leadership in decision-making spaces — especially in diplomacy,' Dr. Al Shehhi added. 'This progress stems from strong political will and institutional support, positioning Emirati women as key contributors to the UAE's global presence.'The UAE's strategic partnership with UN Women for 2024–2027, signed in March 2023, focuses on several key areas: legislative reform to promote gender equality, women's participation in peace processes, economic empowerment in Africa and Latin America, and increasing women's engagement in climate agreement also includes a dedicated pillar on promoting a Women-Centred Foreign Policy, reinforcing the UAE's commitment to a sustainable and inclusive diplomatic approach. The UAE is also a key global partner in implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security, actively supporting the inclusion of women in peacebuilding, defence, and security roles.
Business Recorder
25-06-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
CM pays glowing tributes to women diplomats
LAHORE: Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif in her message on the 'International Day of Women in Diplomacy' has paid glowing tributes to the women diplomats. She lauded, 'Audacious women who play a historic role in the field of diplomacy are the nation's valuable asset. When women play a leading role in the field of diplomacy, it amalgamates peace and humanity. A visually impaired Pakistani female diplomat proved her capabilities in the United Nations forum.' She highlighted, 'I while attending the Anatolian Diplomacy Forum made it amply clear that Pakistani women are not mere representatives but policymakers and an effective diplomatic force as well.' She maintained, 'My visit to China as a female Chief Minister of Punjab turned out to be diplomatically and economically historic. China's visit opened new avenues of employment along with chalking out collaboration with the Chinese companies in the fields of agriculture, industry, infrastructure and technology.' Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Al Etihad
24-06-2025
- Politics
- Al Etihad
On International Day of Women in Diplomacy: UAE sets a leading global example
25 June 2025 01:28 By: Shamma Ahmad Al Qutbah, Researcher at TRENDS Research & AdvisoryIn a world where the contours of international relations are drawn behind closed doors and major decisions are formulated in the most precise terms, women have emerged as voices of wisdom and insight in global diplomacy, stating that they are ready for the task and will step in regardless of year on 24 June, the world celebrates the International Day of Women in Diplomacy, a day that honors the remarkable role played by women in shaping the global political landscape and their achievements in leadership and pioneering. It is a day when stories of excellence are shared—stories of women who wrote history through their voices and skills. Women who defied constraints, made meaningful differences in peace negotiations, carried the causes of their people on their shoulders, and championed human values in decision-making circles. They have become the voice of reason in times of crisis and a bridge for convergence between nations and much remains to be done in most countries to achieve gender balance, successful models like the United Arab Emirates (UAE) prove that empowering women in diplomacy is not a distant dream but a reality that can be realised through political will and a clear, future-looking vision. The UAE: A Success Story Where Women Shape the Future of DiplomacyContrary to global trends, the UAE has presented a pioneering model to the world by achieving significant progress in women's empowerment in diplomacy, making it a strategic national priority. Emirati women now help shape the future of the country's diplomacy and occupy distinguished positions in the diplomatic field. One of the most prominent figures who contributed to elevating the UAE's global standing and affirmed the presence of Emirati women in international forums is Her Excellency Lana Nusseibeh, who served as the UAE's Permanent Representative to the United Nations from 2013 to 2024. She was the first Emirati woman to hold this prestigious post. During her tenure, she played a central role in strengthening the UAE's positions in the multilateral scene and contributed effectively to highlighting issues such as women's empowerment, peace, and security, particularly during the UAE's membership in the UN Security Council in 2022-2023. Her work demonstrated that Emirati women are capable of driving change and making a difference in the world's most sensitive and complex Excellency Lana Nusseibeh is not an isolated example. She is one of many distinguished Emirati female diplomats, including Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation. Thanks to her leadership experience and negotiation skills, Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy has become a cornerstone of UAE foreign policy. She was not only the diplomatic face of Expo 2020 but also a prominent voice in advancing the UAE's soft power globally, particularly in areas such as sustainable development and humanitarian recently, the appointment of Her Excellency Sheikha Al Nowais as Secretary-General of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) reflects the UAE's vision of building a new generation of women leaders who combine administrative competence with strategic foresight. It also shows the leadership's strong confidence in the potential of young Emirati women. Today, Emirati women make up 49% of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' workforce and hold 30% of senior leadership positions. Supportive Institutions and a Vision that Knows No ImpossibleIt is noteworthy that the UAE's remarkable achievements in women's empowerment are by no means a coincidence. They are the result of a clear, forward-looking vision and unwavering leadership that recognises no limits to empowerment and no path leading to the impossible. Since its formation, the UAE's leadership has made empowering women a national priority, firmly believing in women's vital role as equal partners in development and decision-making and in the idea that balanced gender participation is fundamental to building a cohesive society. At the forefront of this march stands Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the 'Mother of the Nation,' who has been, and still is, the beating heart of Emirati women's empowerment in all fields, particularly in diplomacy. From the beginning, Her Highness has played a pivotal role in paving the way for Emirati women, supporting them to become key drivers of leadership and change. In 1975, she established the General Women's Union as the primary institution for empowering Emirati women; a platform through which their participation has been activated and nurtured, preparing them to engage fully and competently in political, international, and development Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, has also been instrumental in shaping this journey. His decisive vision for women's empowerment marked a turning point. He firmly believes in the capabilities of Emirati women and their vital role in shaping the future of the nation and the world as a whole. Under his leadership, women's empowerment is not a secondary option but a national priority embodied in policies, laws, and practices. Also under his leadership, Emirati women [have been] appointed as ambassadors and permanent representatives in key global capitals and international organisations, affirming his unwavering trust in their the institutional level, the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy has played an effective role in developing and refining female talent in the diplomatic corps. The Academy has provided an advanced learning and training environment grounded in practical experience and international leadership skills, enabling Emirati women to enter the field of diplomacy equipped with knowledge, experience, and the presence of the UN Women Liaison Office in Abu Dhabi reflects the UAE's deep commitment to supporting and empowering women both locally and globally. The office has enhanced coordination between national and international entities and supported initiatives focused on women's roles in peacebuilding and security, further reinforcing the UAE's global standing as a model of gender equality and women's the UAE has gone beyond just offering support and training. It has elevated women to symbols of wise leadership and honorable representation in international arenas and carriers of messages of peace and dialogue. The Emirati model affirms that women's empowerment is a foundational pillar in building an inclusive and sustainable diplomatic future. This is a comprehensive success story, born of a clear vision and firm will that knows no impossible. It reflects the deep-rooted commitment of the UAE to equality and genuine partnership between the genders in all areas of national and international work. Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi
