Empowering women key to safer societies, says GCC chief

GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi emphasized the critical role of empowering women in decision-making processes for fostering more peaceful, resilient societies. He highlighted that women's involvement in peace and security extends beyond mere representation, stating it is essential for building stable, secure communities.

Albudaiwi stressed the importance of increasing women's roles in decision-making, negotiation, mediation, and peacebuilding efforts. During the event "Shaping the Next 25 Years: Advancing Women’s Leadership in Peace and Security" on September 25, 2026, hosted by the UAE's Permanent Mission to the United Nations, Albudaiwi praised the United Arab Emirates for leading the way in women's leadership and peace and security initiatives.

The UAE was the first GCC nation to implement UN Security Council Resolution 1325 and has established programs to enhance women's capacities in peace and security. Albudaiwi noted that GCC countries have made significant strides in boosting women's presence in the workforce, with over 40% in public sector roles and more than 39% in the private sector.

Moreover, women occupy about 49% of leadership positions in the public sector and 31% in the private sector. He also discussed the GCC Joint Action Strategy for Women’s Affairs 2024–2030, which serves as a coordinated approach to support women's participation and leadership. Albudaiwi pointed out that the GCC's success in empowering women stems from integrating gender equality into national and regional strategies, investing in education and professional growth, and creating pathways for women in leadership.

He commended the UAE's pioneering efforts in advancing the women, peace, and security agenda, including the first GCC nation to adopt a national action plan under Resolution 1325 and initiatives to develop women's skills in peace, security, and peacemaking. Albudaiwi called for continued collaboration with UN Women to build leadership capabilities, enhance mediation and preventive diplomacy, and improve crisis management and humanitarian responses.

He reaffirmed the GCC's dedication to partnering with member states, UN Women, and global allies to amplify the impact of women's contributions to peace efforts and foster a safer, more sustainable future.