MANAMA — Bahrain affirmed its support for all international efforts for the advancement of women, achieving gender balance in all developmental and humanitarian fields, and enhancing their contribution as an active partner in security, peace, and sustainable justice.

This came during a speech delivered by Bahraini Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Jamal Faris Al-Ruwaie to the Security Council during a virtual meeting held by the council on women, peace, and security.

The permanent representative said that this year marks the celebration of events concerned with women, security and peace, the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the United Nations, the 25th anniversary of the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, the 20th anniversary of the adoption of Security Council Resolution 1325, which provides for equal participation for men and women at all levels, and to involve women in the processes of maintaining peace in light of disasters and conflicts that befall humankind.

He explained that Bahrain, under the leadership of King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, supports the participation of women in decision-making posts and public affairs, and aims to enhance women’s role as an equal partner in dealing with current and future challenges and opportunities.

He also indicated that the Supreme Council for Women, presided by Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, wife of the king, launched specific initiatives to provide the needs of Bahraini women in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development while continuing to respect their international commitments contained in the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, in addition to Security Council Resolution 1325.

He pointed out that based on Bahrain's belief in the importance of education in empowering girls and women, the Kingdom took the initiative to establish a number of schools in the Syrian refugee camps in the countries neighboring Syria, as well as in the Gaza Strip.

The permanent representative also stressed that in light of the emerging global crisis, there is a need to lay the foundations for peace, reiterating Bahrain's support for the call made by the secretary-general of the United Nations in the first months of the pandemic for an immediate global ceasefire and harnessing international efforts to confront COVID-19. — Bahrain News Agency