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Arab News
6 days ago
- Business
- Arab News
Deputy minister of human resources says Saudi reforms boost women's economic participation
RIYADH: Dr. Tariq Alhamad, Saudi Arabia's deputy minister for international affairs at the ministry of human resources and social development, outlined how reforms under Vision 2030 are helping to remove barriers to women's participation in economic and social life during the official review of the UN's Sustainable Development Goal 5 on Gender Equality. 'Vision 2030 is more than a set of goals,' he said. 'It brings government, civil society, and the private sector into shared delivery,' he said at the 2025 UN High-Level Political Forum in New York City on Tuesday. 'We've focused not only on policy, but on the support systems women need to participate fully — whether that's jobs, childcare or reliable transport. 'There's more to do, but we've made real progress, and we're determined to build on it,' Alhamad said. He described Vision 2030 as a national framework that aligns closely with the SDGs and provides the basis for long-term reform. The deputy minister noted that female workforce participation reached 36.3 percent in the first quarter of 2025, up from 19.7 percent in 2018. Initiatives such as Qurrah, which has supported more than 40,000 women with childcare, and Wusool, which has helped more than 300,000 women with transport to and from work, have been key to this shift. Maternity leave has been extended to 12 weeks with full pay, and close to 1.3 million women are now working freelance. 'Change doesn't happen in isolation,' Alhamad said. 'It needs institutions that can partner, systems that allow for transparency, and frameworks that reflect our national priorities while staying aligned with global standards.' HRSD has introduced new legal frameworks for volunteering, donations and non-profit work. Alongside the National Center for Non-Profit Sector, the ministry is helping to expand the role of civil society in service delivery and innovation. Initiatives such as the National Volunteer Portal and the Ehsan platform are making it easier for citizens to participate, while helping institutions track and improve impact. The ministry is working to contribute to several SDGs, including Gender Equality (SDG 5), Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8), Reduced Inequality (SDG 10), Strong Institutions (SDG 16), and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17). Dr. Tariq also spoke about the value of international partnerships, highlighting HRSD's collaboration with the International Labour Organization and the World Bank, both part of the broader UN system. These relationships, he said, help ensure that national reforms meet international standards while staying rooted in local realities. 'Vision 2030 and the 2030 Agenda were launched the same year. They're not the same, but they speak to many of the same goals,' he said. 'For us, the SDGs are not abstract. They're reflected in the way we build institutions, form partnerships, and serve our communities.' The minister of economy and planning, Faisal Al-Ibrahim, delivered the Kingdom's address at the UN High-Level Political Forum in New York City.
Gulf Today
19-07-2025
- Politics
- Gulf Today
UAE shares model for women empowerment in New York
The UAE has reaffirmed the critical role of women empowerment and gender equality in achieving the United Nations' (UN) 2030 Agenda during the 2025 High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development in New York. The UAE delegation highlighted the nation's model for women empowerment, gender equality, and its focus on motherhood and childhood as the basis for inclusive and sustainable growth. The UAE built this model through the comprehensive empowerment system that it provides for women and families, who form the nucleus of society and guarantee the sustainability of human, social, and economic development. The UAE delegation presented national policies and legislation that have contributed to increasing the number of women in leadership and decision-making positions. This includes the Equal Pay Law and the Constitution guaranteeing equal opportunities for both genders. The delegation highlighted several milestones, including the fact that women now represent 50% of Federal National Council members and 26% of Cabinet members. Women also constitute 46% of STEM graduates in the UAE and 80% of the scientific leadership team in the Emirates Mars Mission. The delegation also addressed the UAE's role in supporting women empowerment globally through initiatives like Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak's Women in Peace and Security Initiative. The delegation concluded by reiterating the UAE's willingness to share its expertise and success with the international community to promote gender equality towards 2030 and beyond. Bridging the digital gender gap The National Secretariat on SDGs and the UAE Consulate General in New York City hosted a roundtable on 'Accelerating Innovation in Promoting Gender Equality to Continue Achieving Sustainable Development in the Post-2030.' The discussion explored bridging the digital gender gap, transforming the care economy, and empowering women in leadership. It presented scalable solutions and practical models to drive progress around SDG 5. The discussion featured contributions from Savannah Mazhya, Minister of Information and Communications Technology in the Kingdom of Eswatini and Chair of the Global Council for SDG 5; Abdulla Lootah, Assistant Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Competitiveness and Experience Exchange and Chair of the National Committee on SDGs; Dr Manal Taryam, CEO and Board Member of Noor Dubai Foundation; while other participants included Chelsea Molden, Executive Director of the Public Policy Lab; Stephanie Sirota from RTW Investments in Life Sciences; and Andrew Billo, Head of Partnerships at the UN Initiative to End Violence Against Women and Girls. Lootah, Assistant Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Competitiveness and Experience Exchange and Chair of the National Committee on SDGs, said: 'Over decades of sustainable development centred on the family, the UAE has made community empowerment both the finish line and the starting point of development. This approach is what the UAE is ready to share with everyone around the world. 'Through the UAE's participation in HLPF, and through the delegation's meetings and partnerships, we are sharing knowledge gained in empowering society to ensure inclusive development.' Additionally, the UAE delegation shared the country's experiences in establishing the National Committee on SDGs in 2017 during its participation in an event organised by the Government of Qatar to introduce the agenda of the second edition of the Global Summit for Social Development, which will be held in Doha from 4-6 November. Recently, the UAE, through the Gender Balance Council, took part in the BRICS Women's Affairs Ministerial Meeting in Brazil, addressing women's economic empowerment, entrepreneurship, digital safety, and climate action. On this occasion, Sheikha Manal Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of UAE Gender Balance Council, wife of His Highness Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, praised Brazil's leadership of the BRICS group and reaffirmed the UAE's dedication to global collaboration that uplifts women and ensures sustainable, inclusive growth. Sheikha Manal stated that 'economic empowerment is not only a basic right for women; it is a national priority and a driver of sustainable growth and innovation.' She emphasised that gender balance is central to the UAE's national agenda and that economic empowerment for women is a strategic priority that drives innovation and resilience.
Mid East Info
19-07-2025
- Politics
- Mid East Info
UAE shares model for women empowerment and gender equality with international community - Middle East Business News and Information
Women empowerment foundational to all 2030 SDGs, hears high-level roundtable at UN HLPF UAE delegation hosts roundtable on innovation and bridging the digital gender gap Dubai- 2025 – The UAE has reaffirmed the critical role of women empowerment and gender equality in achieving the United Nations' (UN) 2030 Agenda during the 2025 High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development in New York. The UAE delegation highlighted the nation's model for women empowerment, gender equality, and its focus on motherhood and childhood as the basis for inclusive and sustainable growth. The UAE built this model through the comprehensive empowerment system that it provides for women and families, who form the nucleus of society and guarantee the sustainability of human, social, and economic development. The UAE delegation presented national policies and legislation that have contributed to increasing the number of women in leadership and decision-making positions. This includes the Equal Pay Law and the Constitution guaranteeing equal opportunities for both genders. The delegation highlighted several milestones, including the fact that women now represent 50% of Federal National Council members and 26% of Cabinet members. Women also constitute 46% of STEM graduates in the UAE and 80% of the scientific leadership team in the Emirates Mars Mission. The delegation also addressed the UAE's role in supporting women empowerment globally through initiatives like Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak's Women in Peace and Security Initiative. The delegation concluded by reiterating the UAE's willingness to share its expertise and success with the international community to promote gender equality towards 2030 and beyond. Promoting innovation and bridging the digital gender gap: The National Secretariat on SDGs and the UAE Consulate General in New York City hosted a roundtable on 'Accelerating Innovation in Promoting Gender Equality to Continue Achieving Sustainable Development in the Post-2030.' The discussion explored bridging the digital gender gap, transforming the care economy, and empowering women in leadership. It presented scalable solutions and practical models to drive progress around SDG 5. The discussion featured contributions from Her Excellency Savannah Mazhya, Minister of Information and Communications Technology in the Kingdom of Eswatini and Chair of the Global Council for SDG 5; His Excellency Abdulla Lootah, Assistant Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Competitiveness and Experience Exchange and Chair of the National Committee on SDGs; Dr Manal Taryam, CEO and Board Member of Noor Dubai Foundation; while other participants included Chelsea Molden, Executive Director of the Public Policy Lab; Stephanie Sirota from RTW Investments in Life Sciences; and Andrew Billo, Head of Partnerships at the UN Initiative to End Violence Against Women and Girls. HE Lootah: 'The UAE has built a pioneering global model that supports social progress HE Lootah, Assistant Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Competitiveness and Experience Exchange and Chair of the National Committee on SDGs, said: 'Over decades of sustainable development centred on the family, the UAE has made community empowerment both the finish line and the starting point of development. This approach is what the UAE is ready to share with everyone around the world. 'Through the UAE's participation in HLPF, and through the delegation's meetings and partnerships, we are sharing knowledge gained in empowering society to ensure inclusive development.' Additionally, the UAE delegation shared the country's experiences in establishing the National Committee on SDGs in 2017 during its participation in an event organised by the Government of Qatar to introduce the agenda of the second edition of the Global Summit for Social Development, which will be held in Doha from 4-6 November.
Herald Malaysia
16-07-2025
- Health
- Herald Malaysia
Holy See: Policies must support families, motherhood, equality
The Holy See's Permanent Observer to the United Nations, Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, calls for nations to implement policies that support and protect families, motherhood, and maternity, along with the promotion of equality between women and men. Jul 16, 2025 File photo of a mother and her child By Deborah Castellano Lubov"Policies that support and protect families, motherhood, and maternity, need to be implemented alongside the promotion of equality between women and men." The Holy See's Permanent Observer to the United Nations, Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, expressed this during the course of the High-Level Political Forum debates on the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3) on ensure healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages, on 14 July, and on Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG 5), on achieving gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls, on 15 July, at the UN in New York. SDG 3: Ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being Archbishop Caccia reflected on the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 3, highlighting how important it is to underscore that health is not merely the absence of illness, but "a holistic state of physical, psychological, social, spiritual and emotional wellbeing," and "a vital part of integral human development." Yet, he lamented, that progress towards the achievement of SDG 3 remains uneven. "Persistent obstacles, including fragile health systems, inadequate funding, and an increasing burden of non-communicable diseases continue to exacerbate existing health disparities." To overcome these challenges and realise health and well-being for all, he noted, comprehensive and integrated policies that recognise the interdependence of SDG3 with other Goals should be adopted. The Permanent Observer also insisted that achieving health and wellbeing for all, also calls for special attention to be paid to the most vulnerable, including the unborn, children, the elderly, persons with disabilities, migrants and those living in conflict-affected areas. In this context, he exhorted, "Ideological or economic agendas must never shape healthcare; it must remain person-centred." For this reason, the Archbishop reiterated, faith-based organisations, including Catholic health institutions play "a vital role," noting that strengthening partnerships with these institutions could help to keep healthcare person-centred. With regard to meaningfully contributing to healthcare, Archbishop Caccia recalled that the Catholic Church, which runs approximately a quarter of all health facilities worldwide, will continue to provide care to the poorest and those in the most remote areas. SDG 5: Achieving gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls The Permanent Observer also welcomed the discussion on Sustainable Development Goal 5, dedicated to achieving gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls, which was held the following day. "Gender equality," he stated, "is rooted in the equal God-given dignity of every man and woman, 'inalienably grounded in his or her very being, which prevails in and beyond every circumstance […]. This principle, which is fully recognizable even by reason alone,' he continued, 'underlines the primacy of the human person and the protection of human rights.'' Archbishop Caccia said that recognizing this equal dignity is a critical starting point for achieving SDG5. "However," he warned, "recognition alone is not enough," for "equality requires creating conditions that enable the integral development of women and girls, including access to quality education and healthcare, and decent work and participation in every sphere of life for women." Archbishop Caccia said that any meaningful discussion of SDG5 must address the systemic obstacles to the integral development of millions of women and girls, including poverty, violence and exclusion. "Addressing these injustices," he underscored, "is a moral imperative and a prerequisite for long-term development and progress." In this token, the Permanent Observer insisted, "the roles that women and men play within families and communities must be protected." "Policies that support and protect families, motherhood, and maternity," he reaffirmed, "need to be implemented alongside the promotion of equality between women and men," as he stressed that the dignity of every woman and girl "must be always at the centre of development efforts and approaches that reduce women to mere instruments of economic or political agendas are to be avoided." Finally, Archbishop Caccia said that in the final five years leading up to the realization of the 2030 Agenda, his Delegation "calls for a renewed commitment to the integral development of every woman and girl."--Vatican News
India Today
15-07-2025
- Politics
- India Today
Northeast improves on hunger, poverty parameters, a decade after Act East
The Northeast region is making good progress overall in poverty reduction, eliminating hunger, providing education, gender equality and providing clean water and sanitation to the people of the eight states — the seven sisters and Sikkim — according to a report released by the Niti Aayog and the Ministry of Development of the North Eastern Region (MoDoNER). The North East Region's Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Index for 2023-24, shows that 103 districts, accounting for 85% of the region's 121 districts surveyed, are 'Front Runners'. This is a significant rise from 2021-22, when 62%, or 64, of the 103 districts surveyed were clasified as 'Front Runners'.advertisementThe report reveals that Achiever districts in the Northeast have increased from 12 in 2021-22 to 26 in the latest districts are categorised based on their progress as Achievers (those that have met the target), Front Runners (close to meeting the target), Performers (showing moderate progress), and Aspirants (requiring more focused attention). The NER's SDG Index used 84 indicators to evaluate progress in areas like poverty, hunger, and in the 'poverty' category, the number of Aspirant districts has seen a sharp decline, dropping from 20 to just 3. Similar was the case under 'zero hunger' category, where Aspirant districts have dropped from 21 to just Water and Sanitation (SDG 6) has 114 Front Runner districts, up from 81, driven by initiatives like the Jal Jeevan Equality (SDG 5) progressed, with 112 districts as Front Runners, up from 71. Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7) doubled its Achiever districts to 14, indicating better access to electrification and clean cooking MIZORAM, TRIPURA DISTRICTS IN TOP 10Three districts each from Nagaland, Mizoram, and Tripura, and one from Sikkim made it to the list of Top 10 districts on the NER's SDG Index for all districts in Mizoram and Tripura emerged as 'Front Runners'. Hnahthial in Mizoram led with a score of performed well on a slew of parameters, such as gender equality (SDG 5), clean water and sanitation (SDG 6), decent work and economic growth (SDG 8), and sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11), among eight districts, all Front Runners, showed consistent progress in infrastructure (SDG 9) and reduced inequalities (SDG 10), with Gomati ranking fourth overall at PERFORMANCES VARY IN THE NORTH EAST REGIONAssam, with 89% of its 33 districts as Front Runners, is strong in Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8), led by Dibrugarh. In the NER District SDG Index 2021-22, Assam had 31 districts assessed, with 19 districts (61%) classified as Front six districts, all Front Runners, performed well in Quality Education (SDG 4).advertisementTripura showed strength in Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9) and Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10).Arunachal Pradesh, with 59% Front Runners, lagged in Climate Action (SDG 13), while Meghalaya struggled with Quality Education (SDG 4).NORTHEAST STILL LAGS BEHIND ON SOME INDICATORSThough there has been a significant improvement overall, there are still many districts in the Northeast that lag on several Action (SDG 13) has 49 districts in the Aspirant category, signalling weak environmental Consumption and Production (SDG 12) saw Front Runner districts drop from 67 to Inequalities (SDG 10) also weakened, with Aspirant districts rising from 12 to MANIPUR SEES 75% FRONT RUNNERSManipur, marked by ethnic tensions since May 3, 2023, showed a mixed its 16 districts, 75% are Front Runners. The state performed well in Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6), Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7), Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8), Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11), and Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions (SDG 16).Imphal West was ranked the top Noney and Pherzwl districts were ranked national schemes and local efforts have driven gains, challenges like climate resilience, inequality, and incomplete data collection require targeted coverage has grown from 103 districts in the first edition to 121 in the latest, data gaps in newly created and remote districts remain. Only filling these gaps can present a complete picture of the entire Northeast report, released with the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), assessed 121 of 131 districts across eight states on 15 of the 17 SDG districts were excluded, seemingly because they were either newly created or located in remote areas. Of these, five districts were from Nagaland, which were formed in 2021 and 2022. One district was excluded from Meghalaya, two districts were excluded from Assam, and two districts were excluded from Arunachal only 15 SDGs were considered for the region because SDG 14 (Life Below Water) may not be applicable to the landlocked region, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) may have limited relevance at the district level due to its focus on global cooperation and resource mobilisation.- EndsMust Watch
