The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs organized on Sunday a seminar highlighting women’s role in diplomacy, at the direction of the Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah.
The seminar, titled “The Role of Women in Diplomatic Work,” was hosted by Prince Saud Al-Faisal Institute for Diplomatic Studies, in celebration of the International Day of Women in Diplomacy. The Saudi Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Eng. Waleed bin Abdulkarim El-Khereiji, attended the event, reported the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
Women’s Role
In a speech, El-Khereiji underscored the importance of women participation in the diplomatic corps. He underlined the major strides made in empowering women in various sectors across Saudi Arabia, under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and the Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman, in line with the ambitious Saudi Vision 2030.
The Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister also pointed out that women empowerment has found its way into the diplomatic service. Today, Saudi women are ambassadors, leaders in international organizations, negotiators, as well as diplomats representing the country in foreign missions, El-Khereiji said.
Moreover, the seminar addressed several key themes, including women experience in diplomatic work, achievements, opportunities and challenges.
The Saudi Ambassador to Sweden Enass Alshahwan; Deputy Chief of Mission of the United States Embassy to the Kingdom Alison Dilworth; Deputy Chief of Mission of the Australian Embassy to the Kingdom Kim Ralston; and Deputy Chief of Mission of the United Kingdom Embassy to the Kingdom Dr. Alice Burt, also attended the seminar.
In addition, several foreign ambassadors accredited to the Kingdom, members of the diplomatic corps, employees of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and representatives of several government agencies were present at the seminar.
International Day of Women in Diplomacy
In 2022, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) by consensus declared the 24th of June each year to be the International Day of Women in Diplomacy.
In the light of this, the Assembly encouraged all Member States, United Nations organizations, non-governmental groups, academic institutions and associations of women diplomats to celebrate the Day in their own way, including through education and public awareness-raising.
