Speeches of the Participants

"In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful,

Esteemed guests, distinguished attendees,

Peace be upon you, and may the mercy and blessings of Allah be upon you all,

Firstly, I would like to convey greetings from the sponsor of the conference, His Excellency Mr. Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya, Minister of Foreign Affairs. I extend my thanks and appreciation to Her Excellency Sheikha Fadia Saad Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah, President of the Kuwaiti Union of Women's Associations, for organizing the conference "Arab Women, Peace, and Security: Challenges Facing Women in the Arab World... Stop the Aggression on Gaza Now, Not Tomorrow." I take this opportunity to emphasize the significant role and utmost importance of governmental and non-governmental organizations and civil society institutions in supporting societal issues, especially women's issues. In this context, I proudly note that hosting the conference aligns with Kuwait's commitments through its membership in the Human Rights Council for the period from 2024 to 2026.

Esteemed attendees,

Our conference today is held while our Palestinian brethren suffer from decades-long occupation, ongoing bloody aggression on Gaza for over four months, continuous blatant attacks without restraint or accountability, and gross violations of international law, humanitarian law, and human rights law by the occupying authority. The devastating war on Gaza has claimed the lives of over 28,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children. Unfortunately, all of this occurs amid the international community's failure to stop the ongoing genocide in Gaza and amidst the dual standards in applying international law.

In this regard, Kuwait reaffirms its strong condemnation and denunciation of the continued Israeli aggression on Gaza. Kuwait reiterates its call to the international community, particularly the Security Council, to assume its responsibilities and act immediately to stop this aggression, allow humanitarian aid and relief to reach those in need without hindrance, provide protection to vulnerable Palestinian civilians, activate international accountability mechanisms to curb Israeli violations of international law and legitimate international resolutions, ensure accountability, and prevent impunity.

Esteemed attendees,

Women have always been and continue to be the primary victims of wars, conflicts, security, social, economic, and political disruptions. Yet, they have proven capable of resilience, facing challenges, performing national duties in defense of their land, preserving their families, and maintaining societal cohesion.

Empowering women in various fields in their societies directly impacts the stability, security, and prosperity of nations. Our Arab world needs concerted efforts to enhance state policies for women's empowerment, especially in economic and social empowerment, enhancing their rights, facilitating their access, and empowering them in decision-making processes. Undoubtedly, the challenges facing women in the Arab world are significant and extremely difficult. However, Arab women have managed, through their determination and will, to achieve many of their civil, political, and economic rights. I am confident that the objectives of this conference will contribute to further important steps in enhancing the rights of Arab women.

Esteemed attendees,

In Kuwait, we prioritize the advancement and empowerment of Kuwaiti women, and their achievements in this regard continue to grow year after year. We believe in the crucial and vital role of women in the development and prosperity of our beloved nation. Kuwait has always been keen, since its inception and the establishment of its legislative foundations, on preserving and safeguarding women's rights, protecting them, and supporting their humanitarian and social mission. The Constitution guarantees the rights of Kuwaiti women, with Article 29 affirming the principle of equality between men and women, recognizing women as key partners and actors in nation-building. Kuwait's efforts have contributed to supporting women's empowerment over the years, with Kuwaiti women now representing 28% of leadership positions in various sectors of the state, in addition to comprising 64% of the total national workforce in the public sector and 48% in the private sector.

Esteemed attendees,

The Security Council issued Resolution 1325 titled "Women, Peace, and Security" in 2000, which aimed to emphasize the role of women in preventing and resolving conflicts, maintaining peace, building peace, reconciliation efforts, mediation, and post-conflict reconstruction and recovery. In this context, Kuwait recently established the National Committee for the Implementation of Security Council Resolution 1325, under the presidency of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the committee includes relevant national entities. This reflects the importance of enhancing joint international efforts to prevent international conflicts and protect women during such conflicts, emphasizing their needs and requirements due to their pivotal role in society.

Esteemed attendees,

This conference has historically been held in February – the month of liberation from the heinous Iraqi occupation. Allow me to extend my utmost respect and admiration to the women in my country, remembering with great pride and honor that Kuwaiti women faced the occupation with courage and bravery, played a significant role in the resistance, organized daily life during the occupation, provided basic necessities for the population, and many Kuwaiti women martyrs fell victim to these heroic stances.

In conclusion, I wish your conference success in achieving its desired objectives.

Peace be upon you, and may the mercy and blessings of Allah be upon you all."