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The United Arab Emirates has launched the second edition of the Women Parliamentarians Forum of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean, with the event taking place under the patronage of Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak. The forum, organized by the Federal National Council, began on January 27, 2026, in Abu Dhabi and brings together parliamentary leaders and delegations from Mediterranean and Gulf nations.
The two-day conference is being held at the Federal National Council headquarters and carries the theme “Empowering Women for Cohesive and Inclusive Societies: From the Gulf to the Mediterranean.” According to official statements, the gathering features heads of parliaments, parliamentary delegations, and regional and international civil society organizations from Gulf Cooperation Council states and Euro-Mediterranean countries.
Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Champions Women’s Empowerment
Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, known as the “Mother of the Nation,” serves as Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, and President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood. Her patronage of the Women Parliamentarians Forum underscores the UAE’s continued commitment to advancing women’s participation in legislative and political spheres across the region.
The forum represents a significant platform for dialogue between two strategic regions. By connecting Gulf Cooperation Council nations with Euro-Mediterranean countries, the event aims to foster collaboration on issues affecting women’s representation and gender equality in parliamentary institutions.
Regional Cooperation on Gender Equality
The Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean has prioritized gender equality and women’s political participation as key areas of focus. The Women Parliamentarians Forum serves as a specialized mechanism to advance these goals through direct engagement among female legislators and policymakers from member states.
However, the specific number of participating countries and delegates has not been disclosed by organizers. The forum builds on the success of its inaugural edition, though details about previous outcomes and commitments remain limited in available reports.
UAE’s Leadership in Women’s Political Participation
The Federal National Council’s organization of this regional forum aligns with the UAE’s broader efforts to promote women’s empowerment domestically and internationally. The country has made notable progress in increasing female representation in legislative bodies, with women holding significant positions in government and parliament.
Additionally, the UAE has positioned itself as a convening power for regional dialogues on social and political development. Hosting the Women Parliamentarians Forum reinforces Abu Dhabi’s role as a bridge between Arab Gulf states and Mediterranean nations on matters of gender equality and legislative cooperation.
Focus on Cohesive and Inclusive Societies
The forum’s theme emphasizes the connection between women’s empowerment and broader social cohesion. Participants are expected to discuss legislative frameworks, best practices, and policy initiatives that support women’s full participation in political and economic life across both regions.
Meanwhile, the gathering provides an opportunity for parliamentarians to share experiences and challenges related to implementing gender-sensitive legislation. The exchange between Gulf and Mediterranean delegates may yield insights into culturally appropriate approaches to advancing women’s rights within diverse legal and social contexts.
The forum agenda and specific policy recommendations emerging from the two-day conference have not been detailed in initial reports. Authorities have not confirmed whether the event will produce a joint declaration or action plan, though such outcomes are common for regional parliamentary gatherings focused on specific thematic areas.
The Women Parliamentarians Forum is scheduled to conclude on January 28, 2026. Further announcements regarding outcomes, commitments, or follow-up mechanisms are expected following the conclusion of discussions among participating delegations and organizations.
