Saudi Arabia, represented by Dr. Maimoonah Al-Khalil, Secretary-General of the Family Affairs Council, participated in the Ninth Ministerial Conference on Women of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), held in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan under the theme: "Women’s Social, Economic and Political Empowerment: Challenges and the Way Forward."

During the conference, Dr. Maimoonah Al-Khalil delivered the Kingdom’s statement, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s remarkable progress in advancing women’s empowerment. She emphasized that these achievements are rooted in the principles of Islam, which honor women and safeguard their rights, and have been translated through Saudi Vision 2030 into policies, legislation, and targeted initiatives that have expanded women’s participation across a wide range of sectors.

She noted that women’s labor force participation has reached approximately 36%, with a national target of 40% by 2030. Women also account for more than 44% of middle and senior management positions, 32% of the cybersecurity workforce, and 34% of professionals in the information and communications technology (ICT) sector.

The Kingdom’s statement also highlighted an initiative launched by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, which culminated in the unanimous adoption by the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva of a Saudi-led resolution on women’s empowerment in cybersecurity.

In a related development, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was elected Vice-Chair of the Bureau of the Ninth OIC Ministerial Conference on Women. The Islamic Republic of Pakistan served as Chair, the Arab Republic of Egypt assumed the role of Rapporteur, and the State of Palestine served as a permanent member of the Bureau.

The conference also marked another achievement for the Kingdom, as the ELEVATE initiative, developed by the Gender Balance Center at the Institute of Public Administration, received the Third OIC Women’s Achievement Award for the Arab Group in recognition of its contributions to advancing women’s participation in technology and digital transformation.

The Family Affairs Council’s representation of the Kingdom at the conference underscores its role in representing Saudi Arabia at regional and international forums relevant to family and women’s affairs, showcasing the Kingdom’s efforts to support and empower women, and strengthening cooperation with Member States of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.