The United Arab Emirates affirmed its firm belief in the vital role that women play in facing the climate change crisis, its commitment to development efforts that take into account the empowerment of women, and its formulation of national policies related to climate change. This came during the sixty-sixth session of the Commission on the Status of Women, on "Achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls in the context of climate change and natural disaster risk reduction policies and programmes."

Her Excellency Maryam Al Muhairi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, who headed the UAE delegation to this meeting, pointed to the role of leadership and the efforts of relevant national institutions in advancing the status of women at all levels. She added, "We have witnessed how the meaningful political participation of women has enabled the state to respond better to the needs of its citizens and residents."

Her Excellency added: "We firmly believe in the ability of women to play a vital role in facing the climate change crisis, a role that women in the UAE are already playing. At the same time, we need to harness new and emerging technologies to ensure adaptation and mitigation of climate change."

Founded in 1946, the Commission on the Status of Women is the main intergovernmental body, dedicated exclusively to the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of women. It is a functional committee of the Economic and Social Council. The work of the sixty-sixth session of the Committee began on March 14 and will continue until March 25.

Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation