Women Speakers of Parliament supports global dialogue

The Global Summit of Women Speakers of Parliament represents a significant achievement by the UAE Federal National Council and reflects the country's support for global dialogue, said H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, and President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, on Sunday.

More than 50 women speakers of parliaments from around the world will take part in the two-day summit, deemed to be the first of its kind in the parliamentary history globally, to focus on the role that women speakers can play in uniting parliamentarians around national and political interests to deliver sustainable prosperity and security in a rapidly changing world for present and future generations.

The event which will begin tomorrow is being co-organised by the Federal National Council and the Inter-Parliamenry Union under the patronage of Sheikha Fatima.

"Being convened under the overall theme 'United for Shaping the Future', the summit holds a significant value for the UAE who represents a unique model of unity," she said in a statement, and noted that the founder of the UAE, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who united seven emirates into one federation, rightly believed in the effective role of women.

President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan continues to build on the legacy of Sheikh Zayed extending strong support to women, she said.

She expressed hope that the summit would succeed in unifying global parliamentary efforts and building an effective partnership among participating parliamentarians, politicians, government leaders, youth and academicians.

Sheikha Fatima said the summit supports international dialogue and discussions about future challenges and trends prioritised by the international community.

The UAE, Sheikha Fatima noted, seeks to share its unique experience in building exemplary partnerships between the government and private sectors to help come up with positive solutions and visions to address challenges facing the entire world.

"We live in an interconnected world where isolationist cultures have no place to continue. We should unite and close our ranks to utilise the huge opportunities made available by human, cultural and technological achievements in all spheres and develop solutions to remove obstacles blocking development in several countries."

The summit will address key questions on the evolving role of parliament, including how parliaments can work with the other branches of government, with the private sector and the wider community.

For Sheikh Fatima, the summit will provide a vital platform for the best parliamentary, political and academic experts and the youth to network, share experiences and find innovative solutions to help build a better future for the coming generations.

The event further reflect the success of the UAE parliamentary diplomacy in opening up to the entire world, as well as the effective role of women in spreading peace and supporting international cooperation and solidarity, she noted.

Having this large number of women speakers of parliaments is a precious opportunity to unify the world around issues to be discussed on the agenda of the summit as the UAE seeks to forge effective international partnerships, come up with consistent visions for the future generations.