Riyadh, January 24, 2025 — Vice Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia, Eng. Waleed bin Abdulkarim El-Khereiji, welcomed the Executive Director of UN Women, Sima Sami Bahous, to the Ministry’s headquarters in Riyadh today for a high-level meeting focused on advancing the empowerment of women and youth. The discussions highlighted ongoing efforts to promote gender equality and youth participation across various sectors, both within Saudi Arabia and globally.
During the meeting, Eng. El-Khereiji and Ms. Bahous exchanged insights on initiatives aimed at enhancing women’s and youth development, with a particular emphasis on expanding opportunities in education, employment, and leadership roles. The two leaders reviewed the progress made in these areas and explored additional strategies to further accelerate empowerment efforts. They also touched on a range of topics of mutual interest, including enhancing international cooperation to promote gender equality on the global stage and within the United Nations framework.
In attendance at the meeting was Dr. Haya AlMagwashi, Executive Assistant to the Family Affairs Council, who brought her expertise and valuable perspective on the integration of family welfare into broader gender empowerment strategies. Dr. AlMagwashi’s participation reinforced the Saudi government’s commitment to strengthening the role of women and families in society, in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 objectives.
The visit underscored the growing partnership between Saudi Arabia and UN Women, reflecting both parties’ shared goals of fostering inclusive societies where women and youth have the necessary resources and support to thrive. This engagement is part of Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to align its policies with global standards for gender equality and sustainable development, further demonstrating the Kingdom’s commitment to advancing women’s rights and empowerment as a cornerstone of its future growth.
