New York City, 31 October 2021 (GNP/ TDI): On Friday, Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign affairs announced the participation of Doha in the United Nations Security Council’s Open Debate regarding Women, Peace, and Security. The debate entitled ‘A New Chapter in Afghanistan: Ensuring International Cooperation in Support of Afghan Women & Girls.’
The discussion took place at the United Nations (UN) Headquarters in New York. Qatar’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations partnered with delegates of Canada and the United Kingdom to the UN Women, and the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace, and Security for the event.
The event aimed at discussing the circumstances of Afghan women and girls by bringing together all the key stakeholders in New York, including Afghan women leaders, the Group of Friends of Women in Afghanistan, and the regional partners.
Speaking at the occasion, Doha’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani, stated that women’s empowerment is crucial for attaining peace, security, and stability in Afghanistan. She also called for politically independent humanitarian aid to Kabul amid the Taliban takeover.
Furthermore, Ambassador Alya noted that the international community needs to enhance the inclusivity of Afghan women and girls in every field, particularly education, politics, and economy. The event was moderated by the Executive Director of Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace, and Security, Melanne Verveer.
Other participants included Canada’s Ambassador for Women, Peace, and Security, Jacqueline O’Neill; the United Kingdom’s Minister of State for South Asia and the Commonwealth, Lord Tariq Ahmad; Executive Director of UN Women, Dr. Sima Sami Bahous, and Deputy Special Representative for Afghanistan in the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, Mette Knudsen.