The UAE has reiterated its serious commitment to achieving the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs, stressing the importance of reaching gender balance as part of its fulfilment of said goals.

Addressing the World Family Summit 2017 in Geneva, Obaid Salem Al Zaabi, Permanent Representative of the UAE to the United Nations and other International Organisations, said that gender equality and women's empowerment is an essential element in the UAE's national agenda and Vision 2021, which affirms that "the promotion of gender equality is an integral requirement of sustainable development and for fulfilling the UAE's commitments to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development."

He added that it is for this purpose that the country developed the Gender Balance Index 2017, which features three categories: Best Personality for Supporting Gender Balance, Best Federal Entity for Supporting Gender Balance, and the Best Initiative for Supporting Gender Balance.

"The policies of our leadership has transformed its commitments into actions, which is driving the country forward," Al Zaabi explained.

Al Zaabi also spoke about the UAE's sustainability efforts, which include building sustainable cities equipped with renewable energy using technology and adaptive architectural designs, pointing to Masdar City, the world's first planned sustainable city.

In his speech, Al Zaabi also expressed his pride for naming H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, as the summit's Guest of Honour and for receiving the international Family Advocate Award.

He also noted that this prestigious award is an additional international recognition of Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak's important role in promoting the family at the national, regional and global levels, saying she represents a source of inspiration not only for Emirati women but also for all Arab and Muslim women.