In implementation of the resolution adopted by the Council of the League of Arab States at the Summit Level during its 33rd session, held in the Kingdom of Bahrain, and in accordance with Resolution 18 issued by the Arab Women's Committee at its 43rd Ministerial Session concerning the initiative of the United Arab Emirates to establish the Arab Observatory for Women's Economic Development, the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States (Social Affairs Sector – Women's Department) convened a high-level meeting at the Level of Permanent Representatives on 30 April to discuss the official launch plan for the Observatory.
The initiative is part of broader efforts to strengthen joint Arab action and elevate the role of women in achieving sustainable development. The League of Arab States, with active participation from its member states, continues to mobilise regional mechanisms aimed at promoting women's economic empowerment. The establishment of the Observatory reflects a collective commitment to overcoming structural barriers and fostering sustainable frameworks that bolster women's participation in the development process. It aligns closely with the objectives outlined in the Arab Development Agenda (2023–2028) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 5 on gender equality.
Her Excellency Ambassador Dr. Haifa Abu Ghazaleh, Assistant Secretary-General and head of the Social Affairs Sector, said that the initiative represents the UAE's forward-looking vision to champion women's leadership and enhance their economic contributions by establishing an integrated regional framework that broadens opportunities for growth and empowerment across the Arab world. The meeting is slated to witness the attendance of Her Excellency Noura Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Secretary-General of the UAE General Women's Union.
The Observatory is designed to serve as a strategic tool for policymakers by developing a comprehensive digital platform to monitor and analyse women's economic participation. It will provide a robust database, establish effective indicators for evaluation, implement targeted training programmes, and recognise exceptional achievements by Arab women through incentive-based awards. The meeting agenda includes a detailed presentation on the Observatory's digital infrastructure and services, as well as deliberations on its strategic direction, sustainability, expansion prospects, and governance model, in line with the vision proposed by the United Arab Emirates.
