“Saudi Arabia is set to host the 39th session of the Arab Women Committee on February 9-10, 2020, in Riyadh under the auspices of the League of Arab States. The two-day session will bring together ministers, heads of delegations from Arab states, national women’s organizations, and representatives of regional and international entities. During the session, Saudi Arabia will assume the chairmanship of the Arab Women Committee for the upcoming year, and Riyadh will be declared the Arab Women’s Capital for 2020. The first day of the event will feature a preparatory regional meeting for the 64th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW64), focusing on the outcomes of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action 25 years after its adoption. Discussions will also cover the Beijing+25 regional review. On the second day, the official meeting of the Arab Women’s Committee will convene to address key items on the agenda, including a review of the General Secretariat’s activities since the previous session, progress toward the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, and women’s empowerment across the Arab region. Additional discussions will examine the recommendations of the ministerial conference on “Enhancing the Role of Women in Arab Societies: Lessons Learned from Global Experiences,” ways to strengthen cooperation with international organizations, and topics proposed by member states.
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On this occasion, Dr. Hala Al-Tuwaijri, Secretary-General of the Family Affairs Council, emphasized that hosting this session under the theme “Empowering Women: Development for Society” reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to addressing Arab issues and advancing sustainable development across the region. She highlighted the Kingdom’s efforts to enhance women’s status and protect their rights through economic and social empowerment, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s leadership in vital sectors. The event also coincides with the Kingdom’s extensive reforms to promote women’s empowerment as part of its ambitious Vision 2030. These reforms, which include new policies and legislation, have significantly bolstered the role of Saudi women in various fields. Dr. Al-Tuwaijri also noted that the session would officially launch Riyadh as the Arab Women’s Capital for 2020 under the theme “Women are a homeland and an ambition.” She added that Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the G20 presidency and its associated meetings further underscores the Kingdom’s pivotal international role, particularly in championing women’s empowerment. This leadership extends to regional and global platforms, where Saudi Arabia continues to address critical issues affecting Arab women’s participation in development and amplify their voices on the international stage. Dr. Al-Tuwaijri concluded by welcoming the participating Arab delegations, ministers, and representatives from regional and international organizations. She expressed gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Crown Prince for their unwavering support for Saudi, Arab, and global women’s empowerment and for their commitment to providing generous hospitality to the meeting’s participants.