Women parliamentarians from Oman exchange ideas, experiences at Abu Dhabi Summit

Muscat: Delegates from the State Council joined the nearly 50 women speakers, all global parliamentarians, at the two-day summit titled, ‘Summit of Women Speakers of Parliament,’ at the Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi.
The summit is being held under the patronage of Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union (GWU), and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF), and the President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood.
The first-of-its-kind in the history of global parliamentary work to be held in Middle East region, this Summit aims to provide women in decision-making positions of parliament a regular forum and an opportunity to exchange ideas and experiences, which are of interest to their national and international agendas.
The event is hosted by the Federal National Council of the United Arab Emirates and the Inter Parliamentary Union. The summit, which involves two days of forward-looking panels and debates in collaboration with the Inter-Parliamentary Union, is themed: ‘United for Shaping the Future.’
The delegation comprises four women members, led by Dr Suad bint Mohammed Al Lawati, State Council Vice-Chairperson. It includes members Naashiah Al Kharousi and Rahma Al Mashrafi from the State Council and Naama Jamil Al Busaidi, member of the Majlis Al Shura.
Sheikha Fatima said, “Being convened under the overall theme ‘United for Shaping the Future,’ the summit holds a significant value for the UAE, which represents a unique model of unity.
She added, “We should unite and close ranks to use 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.”
Speakers will include Sheikh Saif bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior; Ban Ki-moon, UN secretary general; Federica Mogherini, vice president of the European Commission; and Dr Ahmed Al Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al Azhar. Others taking part in discussions include FNC speaker Dr Amal Al Qubaisi, American bestselling author and physicist Dr Michio Kaku, and the chairwoman of the Russian parliament, Valentina Matviyenko.
In her speech, Dr. Amal Al Qubaisi, speaker of the Federal National Council of the UAE, highlighted the progress made in the UAE and around the world and honoured the patrons, partners and participants of the Summit.