Minister of State for International Cooperation H E Lolwah bint Rashid Al Khater recently participated in a high-level side event on ‘The Inclusion of Women in the Future of Afghanistan’. The event was co-organised by the permanent missions of Qatar, Indonesia, Ireland, and the Swiss Confederation, on the sidelines of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The event was opened by UN Secretary-General H E Antonio Guterres, with the participation of President of the Swiss Confederation H E Viola Amherd and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia H E Retno Lestari Priansari Marsudi.
In her speech, the Minister of State for International Cooperation emphasized that women’s empowerment and integration into Afghanistan’s future is a top priority for Qatar. She reiterated Qatar’s commitment to respecting and protecting the fundamental rights and freedoms of women, girls, and all members of the Afghan people in accordance with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This includes rights such as education, economic participation, and other freedoms necessary for development and societal progress in Afghanistan. She also highlighted Qatar’s pledge to provide more than $75m in support for Afghanistan, along with various projects to support Afghan women, such as scholarship programs and training initiatives in various sectors, including the medical field.
The Minister of State for International Cooperation referenced Article 26 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which states that everyone has the right to education. She affirmed Qatar’s commitment to ensuring that all Afghans have access to this basic right. Additionally, she mentioned Qatar’s hosting of the third UN meeting of special envoys on Afghanistan last June. During the meeting, discussions emphasized the need for a unified approach to address issues related to the humanitarian situation, the rights of women and girls, and security and stability in Afghanistan.
Qatar’s efforts to support Afghan women also include hosting the American University of Afghanistan (AUAF) in Doha and supporting the reopening of girls’ schools in Afghanistan. The Minister of State for International Cooperation highlighted the importance of providing opportunities for Afghan women to access education and economic opportunities, as well as promoting gender equality and women’s rights in the country. By investing in scholarship programs and training initiatives, Qatar aims to contribute to the development and empowerment of Afghan women, helping them to build a better future for themselves and their communities.
The Minister of State for International Cooperation emphasized the importance of a unified approach in addressing the challenges facing Afghanistan, particularly in relation to the rights of women and girls. By working together with other countries and international organizations, Qatar is committed to supporting efforts to promote peace, security, and stability in Afghanistan. The participation of Qatar in high-level events such as ‘The Inclusion of Women in the Future of Afghanistan’ reflects the country’s dedication to advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment, and its commitment to supporting the rights and freedoms of all Afghan people.
In conclusion, the Minister of State for International Cooperation’s participation in the high-level side event on the inclusion of women in the future of Afghanistan highlights Qatar’s ongoing efforts to support the rights and empowerment of Afghan women. By investing in education, economic opportunities, and various projects to support Afghan women, Qatar is working towards a more inclusive and equitable future for Afghanistan. Through collaboration with other countries and international organizations, Qatar aims to contribute to the development and stability of Afghanistan, while promoting gender equality and women’s rights in the region.
