Abu Dhabi reviews gender, foreign policy, security issue

Abu Dhabi / WAM

The Emirates Diplomatic Academy (EDA), on Sunday organised the Mena Diplomacy Dialogue, discussing ‘The Role of Gender in Foreign and Security Policy,’ to review the role of gender in addressing the role of women in achieving security and maintaining peace.
Dr Nawal Al-Hosany, Deputy Director-General of EDA, said that despite relentless international calls for women to participate in peace and security efforts, ” a huge gender gap remains and today, collectively and with our partners, we aim to address some of these gaps.
“The event was organised as part of the academy’s contribution to the important issue of knowledge transfer, by ensuring that the skills our students acquire include critical thinking, creative analyses and natural practical applications.”
Maqsoud Kruse, Executive Director of Hedayah, said, “We participate today in this workshop to highlight the pivotal role of women in addressing the security and foreign affairs challenges we are facing today.”
A video message, presented by Baroness Catherine Ashton, former High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, was screened at the beginning of the inaugural session.
The event featured breakout sessions that saw discussions on a variety of issues, such as increasing and promoting participation of women in diplomacy and peace processes, the role of gender in countering terrorism and women’s empowerment as a tool of foreign diplomacy. A number of envoys accredited to UAE, academics, dignitaries and the EDA’s staff and students took part in the event.