A high-level event on women in development was convened during the thirteenth session of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD XIII).
Her Excellency, Sheikha Al Mayyasa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, who inaugurated the high-level event, said that under the leadership of Her Highness is Sheikha Moza bint Nasser on this issue “Qatar will spare no effort in helping more women to achieve this goal”.
His Excellency Dr. Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al-Kawari, Qatar’s Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage, in his role as President of the Conference, who opened the event said that: “We believe that development is only meaningful where there is a role for women.” He added, “Without the involvement of women, development would be a lame duck”.
Dr. Al-Kawari then introduced Sheikha Al Mayyasa as “a young woman with all the qualities we look for as a role model”.
Sheikha Al Mayyasa acknowledged the “special importance” that the issue of women has for the work of UNCTAD. She added that the leadership in Qatar also sees it as a “cornerstone of development”.
Her Highness said that: “Men and women should work together to discuss the issue of this issue.” She added that the economic crisis is no reason for a lack of progress on the issue.
Dr. Al-Kawari then introduced His Excellency Dr. Supachai Panitchpakdi, Secretary-General of UNCTAD, praising his efforts of in furthering development issues.
The Secretary-General expressed his “heartfelt gratitude” to Qatar for hosting UNCTAD XIII. During his speech, he stressed that “a globalization process that leaves behind parts of the population is not an inclusive”. He added that: “It is crucial for policymakers to anticipate how their policies will affect the distribution of wealth.”
Although gender equality is still moving at “too slow a pace”, the Secretary-General emphasized UNCTAD’s readiness to “collaborate in this effort” and is confident that it will “come to fruition”.
Dr. Al-Kawari concluded the opening remarks by giving his reassurance that “every statement, view and idea” tabled during the event would brought to his attention, because Qatar attaches a “special importance” to the role of women.
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