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Moscow, Russia: The Shura Council has participated in the 4th International Forum entitled Women of the Third Millennium, held in Moscow over two days, with broad participation from representatives of parliaments and women's organizations.
The Shura Council was represented at the forum by the Deputy Speaker of the Council, HE Dr. Hamda bint Hassan Al Sulaiti.
In her address at the opening session, HE Dr. Hamda Al Sulaiti discussed the State of Qatar's experience in supporting and empowering women, emphasizing that the State of Qatar, under the guidance of its wise leadership, has made investing in human capital, particularly women, a fundamental pillar of its vision for human and social development.
She highlighted the significant presence of Qatari women in the fields of education, health, culture, and social development, in addition to their expanding participation in diplomatic, political, and humanitarian work, and their growing role in entrepreneurship, the economy, and the technology sectors.
Her Excellency addressed the recent amendments to the Human Resources Law, explaining that they have strengthened the benefits granted to working women, enabling them to balance their family and professional responsibilities. She emphasized that these policies have contributed to creating a more conducive environment for empowering women and unleashing their potential.
In her speech, the Deputy Speaker of the Shura Council stressed that the Qatari experience is not based solely on a social vision, but also on a strategic approach that views women as essential partners in building peace and development, granting them a pivotal role in formulating initiatives and developing national institutions.
Her Excellency elaborated on the concept of opportunity diplomacy, explaining that it is no longer possible to engage with international diplomacy using traditional tools, and that cross-border women's initiatives are now capable of overcoming political stagnation and opening new avenues for cooperation.
She also spoke about the ability of women's groups to build networks of trust and human connection, and to transform social and humanitarian initiatives into practical tools for promoting international integration.
In her remarks during the first session, held under the title "Diplomacy of Opportunities: Women's Communities as a Driver of International Cooperation and Development," HE the Deputy Speaker of the Shura Council presented a comprehensive vision of how women's communities have become active partners in shaping international relations.
She emphasized that modern diplomacy is no longer limited to governments, but also relies on initiatives from communities and civil networks, particularly women's networks, which have proven their ability to build channels for dialogue in conflict zones and establish joint projects that serve development goals.
She noted that women's role in mediation and peacemaking has become a fundamental element in achieving human security, noting that the educational, health, and economic initiatives adopted by women's organizations represent a practical model for sustainable development.
She also addressed the international frameworks that have solidified this role, most notably Security Council Resolution 1325 and subsequent resolutions that have strengthened women's full participation in conflict prevention and resolution processes.
Concluding, Her Excellency affirmed that the State of Qatar continues to support international initiatives aimed at empowering women, whether through its participation in the United Nations or through programs targeting vulnerable communities and conflict zones. She emphasized that women's empowerment is a direct investment in peace, development, and justice.
On the sidelines of the forum, HE Dr. Hamda bint Hassan Al Sulaiti met with HE Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council of the Russian Federation Konstantin Kosache ; HE Deputy of the State Duma of the Russian Federation Alexander Babakov, HE President of the Women's International Federation Amirova Alvia, HE Member of the High Council of State of Libya Fatima Tleiwih, and HE, Member of the High Council of State of Libya and member of its Finance and Political Committees Huda Abdul Latif Al-Banani.
The meetings addressed the topics on the forum's agenda, ways to enhance parliamentary and women's cooperation, and the development of joint initiatives in the fields of education, health, women's empowerment, and social development.
