The Arab League (Social Affairs Sector / Women’s Administration) and the Regional Office of the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) have signed a cooperation agreement for the 2024 action plan. This agreement aims to implement joint programs between the two entities.
The agreement was signed by Ambassador Haifa Abu Ghazaleh, Assistant Secretary-General of the Arab League and Head of the Social Affairs Sector, and Dr. Susan Mikhail, the Regional Director of UN Women in the Arab region.
Ambassador Abu Ghazaleh praised the collaboration between the Arab League and the United Nations, noting that this agreement focuses on the 2024 action plan initiated by a memorandum of understanding signed in 2016.
She highlighted various successful programs under this cooperation, including the Women, Peace, and Security program, which has led to the development of the Arab Women’s Strategy for Security and Peace and various national strategies and biennial reports from Arab countries.
Dr. Mikhail also expressed her appreciation for the cooperation with the Arab League that began in 2016 and has deepened over the years.
She pointed out the challenges faced by women in conflict zones in the region, particularly in Gaza, where 10,000 women have died, including 6,000 mothers.
She thanked Ambassador Abu Ghazaleh for her role in supporting women’s issues in the Arab region, noting significant achievements such as the establishment of peace mediators’ networks, an emergency committee, and expanded cooperation in economic empowerment for women.
Dr. Mikhail added that this collaboration operates between organizations that share values, principles, and strategic orientations regarding women’s rights. Despite the challenges facing women’s issues in the region, there are opportunities that they seek to leverage through cooperation with the Arab League.
The agreement signifies a continued commitment to addressing women’s issues and enhancing their roles across the Arab world, particularly in areas affected by conflict and economic hardships.