Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Mother of the Nation and Chairwoman of the General Women's Union, has launched the Fatima bint Mubarak Women, Peace and Security Centre of Excellence.
The centre highlights the UAE's commitment to the participation of women across all sectors, particularly peace and security.
Its launch is in line with the Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Women, Peace and Security Initiative, a joint project with the General Women's Union, with technical support from UN Women, state news agency Wam reported.
“The centre will strengthen the capabilities of relevant authorities working in government entities related to the women, peace and security agenda, to support women’s participation in leadership positions across local and international peacekeeping operations," said Sheikha Fatima, who also serves as President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation.
"The UAE is a pioneering model in supporting the full, equal and effective participation of women in all vital and developmental fields with a focus on the security sector," she said.
Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, said the UAE would continue the journey started by Sheikh Zayed, the Founding Father, to provide support to Emirati women’s empowerment.
Noura Al Suwaidi, Secretary General of the General Women’s Union, said the centre builds on the UAE’s extensive efforts to achieve the strategic objectives of UN Security Council Resolution 1325.
In September, UN Women announced the Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Women, Peace and Security Initiative to train and build women's capacities in the military, security and peace sectors.
Sponsored by the UAE government and hosted by Khawla bint Al Azwar Military School in Abu Dhabi, the initiative featured 357 participants from a number of Arab, African, and Asian countries in two rounds of training during 2019 and 2020.
The second round coincided with the 20th anniversary of the adoption of Resolution 1325 on women, peace and security.
"The centre represents a significant opportunity and model in consolidating international cooperation in sharing knowledge and promoting the exchange of information and best practices on the women, peace and security agenda," said Sheikha Fatima.
