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UAE Ministers to Asharq Al-Awsat: Empowering Women is Basis of Successful Society

The UAE Ministers interviewed by Asharq Al-Awsat
The UAE Ministers interviewed by Asharq Al-Awsat
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UAE Ministers to Asharq Al-Awsat: Empowering Women is Basis of Successful Society

The UAE Ministers interviewed by Asharq Al-Awsat
The UAE Ministers interviewed by Asharq Al-Awsat

Four Emirati female ministers stressed on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos on Wednesday that society’s success depends on empowering women and achieving gender equality at the workplace, pointing out that the UAE has adopted this policy since its establishment 46 years ago.

At the forum, UAE has the largest representation in its history with 12 ministers, including five women.

Asharq Al-Awsat interviewed four of them. They are Minister of State for Public Education Jameela Salem al-Muhairi, Minister of Community Development Hessa Bint Eisa Bu Humaid, Minister of State for Advanced Sciences Sarah al-Amiri, and Minister of State for Food Security Mariam al-Muhairi.

The four ministers reviewed UAE's experience in empowering women and efforts to achieve gender equality at work.

The Minister of State for Public Education pointed out that women make up 31 percent of the UAE cabinet, and that Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum is seeking to increase the ratio to 50.

When asked whether the UAE will appoint a woman at a so-called sovereign ministry, the ministers unanimously agreed that the appointments are based on competence, not gender.

"In 2018, the World Economic Forum continues to discuss empowering women, at at time when the UAE has been empowering women since its foundation 46 years ago," said al-Amiri, adding: "Each Emirati woman with a good position is there because of her efficiency."

For her part, Jamila al-Muhairi pointed out that women’s presence at her ministry has been almost the highest among the services ministries, pointing out that achieving equality between men and women goes beyond senior positions to enabling them in all sectors.

The Minister referred to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's speech on conditioning the success of communities with empowering women. She also gave an example of European countries in terms of gender equality in the workplace.

"Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan did not differentiate between women and men in education, and he stressed the importance of equality between the male and female components of the labor force," she added.

In a related context, the ministers welcomed the reforms taking place in Saudi Arabia under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and his Crown Prince Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

"The close relationship between UAE and Saudi Arabia is not baseless. We are brothers and we share land, religion, language and origin. That is why, Saudi Arabia's success and development is directly linked to the UAE," indicated Minister Hessa Bu Humaid.

She went on to say that a successful woman not only benefits herself but also her small and extended family, and develops her community.

Hence, "the success of Saudi women is part of the Kingdom's successes."

In turn, Minister of State for Public Education Jameela Salem al-Muhairi, lauded the reforms in Saudi Arabia. "I am pleased with the reforms and empowerment of Saudi women to take a prominent role in society," she said.

Minister Mariam al-Muhairi stated that she was eager to work with her Saudi counterparts to find solutions to common challenges.

Minister of State for Advanced Sciences explained that this year's World Economic Forum is themed "Creating a Shared Future in a Fractured World" which means it is imperative to reflect a positive image of the region's potentials, often controlled by wars, blood and fanaticism.

"UAE is seeking to change the negative image associated with the Middle East, by giving positive examples that include the confidence of the people in their government. UAE ranked second among the world's most trusted nations according to Edelman Foundation," she said.

"I feel very proud when young people at the forum asked me about the Ministry of Youth, or when I noticed the participation of the large female audience within the ministerial delegation," said Mariam al-Muhairi, who is participating in Davos for the first time.

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UN Deputy Special Coordinator to Asharq Al-Awsat: Humanitarian Situation in Lebanon is ‘Catastrophic’

Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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UN Deputy Special Coordinator to Asharq Al-Awsat: Humanitarian Situation in Lebanon is ‘Catastrophic’

Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)

One of the UN’s top humanitarian officials in Lebanon, Imran Riza, has warned that the situation will worsen if the conflict continues, calling for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.

He stressed that the ongoing war is placing immense strain on both the UN and the Lebanese government, as over a million people have been displaced. He said current needs exceed $400 million, but only 12% of that amount has been raised so far.

Worsening Crisis

Riza, who is the UN Deputy Special Coordinator for Lebanon, UN Resident, and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon, spoke to Asharq Al-Awsat. He described the past two weeks as “catastrophic” for civilians, with the crisis growing over the last year.

More than 600,000 people have been displaced and over a million affected, with 300,000 crossing the border, according to Riza.

Many of these people have been displaced more than once in search of safety. Riza emphasized that the war has severely impacted civilians, with more than a quarter of Lebanon's population affected.

The UN has been working to address the crisis, but Riza said resources are limited.

He stressed that the UN has been saying all year that it doesn’t have enough funds, even when there were only 110,000 displaced people.

Last week, the UN launched a $426 million appeal for urgent humanitarian aid, with 12% of the funding already secured.

Riza said more support is expected, with donor countries pledging additional help.

He also expressed gratitude for contributions from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which provided medical and relief supplies, and said the UN hopes to see more international assistance soon.

Working with the Government

The UN is working closely with the Lebanese government every day to provide shelter, food, healthcare, and water to those in need.

Cooperation with the government has been excellent, said Riza.

However, he acknowledged that the government’s capacity is weakened after five years of ongoing crises, which have also severely impacted the population.

People are less resilient than they were during the 2006 war, and the government and its institutions are weaker, affirmed Riza.

The UN is helping the government respond effectively, ensuring transparency and accountability, so that aid reaches those who need it, he added.

The UN is also collaborating with local and international NGOs that have gained experience from Lebanon’s recent crises, helping to ensure a more effective response. Shelters are also being monitored to prevent any abuse.

A Different Reality from 2006

The current situation in Lebanon is very different from the 2006 war. Politically, the country now has a caretaker government and no president, with much less international presence.

Back then, other countries were more involved, said Riza.

The 2006 war lasted only 33 days, but this conflict has dragged on for a year, he noted.

During recent visits to southern border areas, Riza said locals were asking when the war would end, as the situation has worsened significantly in the past two weeks.

Riza noted that, in the first week of the crisis, it was extremely difficult to respond, and even now, many displaced people remain without shelter.

The UN is working with the government to provide shelter, food, and healthcare, but it’s not easy, he noted.

Displacement Crisis

With winter approaching, Riza stressed the need to properly house displaced people, saying that people can’t be left without shelter.

There are also concerns over a lack of housing, clean water, and sanitation, as well as the risk of disease outbreaks. Despite these challenges, Riza praised the close cooperation between the UN, international organizations, and partners.

Many agencies are responding, he asserted.

Riza rejected any claims of discrimination between displaced groups, noting that both Lebanese and Syrians are currently staying in UNRWA schools. He added that talks with the government about sheltering displaced Syrians have been positive.

Riza also expressed concern about the school year and children’s education.

Prolonged Conflict

The United Nations sees no immediate solution to the humanitarian and military crisis in Lebanon, with Riza stressing that the solution must be political and diplomatic, but first, a ceasefire is needed.

While there is little optimism for an end to the conflict, Riza said, the UN is encouraged by the support from its partners, which helps the organization assist the displaced.

He mentioned the recent evacuation of 1,000 people from Ain Ebel and aid distribution in Tyre, emphasizing the need to ensure that they reach those in need.

Riza called on all sides to respect international and humanitarian laws, allowing safe access for aid workers.

He condemned violations, including the deaths of firefighters, health workers, civil defense staff, and UN personnel, adding that the toll on civilian and health infrastructure is growing.