Abu dhabi: Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, attended the graduation ceremony of the fifth military training course of the 'Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Initiative for Women, Peace, and Security,' organised by the General Women's Union (GWU) in cooperation with the Ministry of Defence and UN Women. The event was held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the 'Mother of the Nation', at Erth Hotel in Abu Dhabi, where participants from 18 countries celebrated their achievements.
According to Emirates News Agency, the event was attended by a number of distinguished guests, including Major General Staff Pilot Ishaq Saleh Al Blooshi, Assistant Chief of Staff for Joint Capabilities; Noura Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Secretary-General of the General Women's Union; Brigadier Afra Saeed Al Felasi, Commander of Khawla bint Al Azwar Military School; and Dr. Mouza Al Shehhi, Director of the UN Women Liaison Office for the GCC. Representatives of government entities and partner institutions were also present.
The graduation of this cohort coincides with the 25th anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 1325, reaffirming the UAE's commitment to supporting the Women, Peace and Security agenda both locally and internationally. During the event, Sheikh Nahyan delivered a keynote speech, expressing pride in the initiative and highlighting the UAE's dedication to human development and international cooperation.
Sheikh Nahyan extended gratitude to H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak for her unwavering belief in the vital role of women in peace and security. He emphasized the initiative's significance in building a more stable and peaceful world and praised H.H. Sheikha Fatima's vision of empowering women globally.
In her statement, H.H. Sheikha Fatima expressed appreciation for the graduates, acknowledging their potential to contribute to peace, security, and development in their homelands. She commended their growth and determination, reinforcing the importance of women's roles in shaping the present and future.
The nine-week program included intensive military training, as well as specialized education in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, diplomacy, and foreign policy. This comprehensive training aimed to equip participants with the skills needed to support peace efforts worldwide.
Representatives from the Khawla Bint Al Azwar Military School and the General Women's Union recognized the graduates' discipline and commitment, reflecting the program's success in fostering international cooperation and enhancing capabilities in security and stability.
Dr. Mouza Al Shehhi highlighted the UAE-UN Women partnership and congratulated the graduates on their achievements. Brigadier Afra Al Felasi also praised the program's role in strengthening international ties, while Noura Al Suwaidi noted that the graduation marks a new milestone in the UAE's journey of empowering women.
The initiative continues to reaffirm the UAE's commitment to empowering women and supporting global efforts in nation-building, with participants from diverse countries, including the UAE, Egypt, Angola, and Yemen, among others. The program, delivered at the Khawla bint Al Azwar Military Academy for Women, provides a comprehensive environment for professional and personal development.