Vision 2030’s transformative shift for women at heart of major global conference in New York

Special Vision 2030’s transformative shift for women at heart of major global conference in New York
Left-Right: Prof. Einas Al-Eisa, Dr. Maimoonah Al-Khalil, Prof. Hanan Al-Ahmadi, and Princess Lamia bint Majid. (Supplied)
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Updated 12 March 2025
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Vision 2030’s transformative shift for women at heart of major global conference in New York

Vision 2030’s transformative shift for women at heart of major global conference in New York
  • Prominent Saudi women share experiences, insights at UN Commission on the Status of Women side event
  • Kingdom at forefront of a social revolution shaping women’s futures in the region and globally, panel says

NEW YORK: The 69th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women in New York provided a remarkable platform to highlight Saudi Arabia’s dramatic strides toward gender equality and women’s empowerment.

A high-level side event, titled “From Vision to Reality: Saudi Arabia’s Story of Women’s Empowerment,” captured the country’s transformative journey over the past decade, offering an inspiring account of progress, challenges, and aspirations.

The panel featured a diverse group of women leaders who have been at the forefront of the Kingdom’s reforms and initiatives in advancing women’s rights across various sectors.

These prominent figures shared insights from their personal experiences, reflected on the pivotal changes in the socio-political landscape, and celebrated the milestones achieved by Saudi women under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Saudi Vision 2030, a national blueprint for future development.

One of the key voices in the conversation, Prof. Hanan Al-Ahmadi, assistant speaker of the Shoura Council, shed light on the legislative efforts and structural changes that have empowered women within the political sphere.

The council, Saudi Arabia’s legislative body, has played a pivotal role in shaping policies that directly impact women’s participation in public life.

Al-Ahmadi detailed how women have gained ground in the council, which now includes 30 female members, a 20 percent representation mandated by legislation. With this increased presence, the council has advanced over 200 resolutions focused on women’s empowerment, covering a wide array of areas from healthcare to employment.

This legislative change is part of a broader effort to empower women in leadership roles across all sectors. As Al-Ahmadi pointed out, Saudi Arabia now boasts female ambassadors, vice ministers, and high-ranking leaders across various governmental agencies — a testament to the country’s commitment to merit-based appointments where qualifications, rather than gender, are the foremost consideration.

“The number might not be as we wish. However, we focus on competency and qualification,” said Al-Ahmadi.

She added: “We don’t want women’s presence in leadership to be a mere symbolic presence. Women in leadership must have impact. So, I think that’s the focus in Saudi Arabia, and that’s why we have so many distinguished leaders . And the sky is the limit.”

Princess Lamia bint Majid, secretary general of Alwaleed Philanthropies, illustrated how philanthropy has played a crucial role in advancing women’s empowerment both within Saudi Arabia and across the globe.

The foundation, which operates in over 180 countries, has focused on initiatives aimed at empowering women through education, legal rights awareness, and economic opportunity.

Princess Lamia’s personal pride lies in the foundation’s Wa’iya project, which launched in 2013 to raise legal awareness among Saudi women about their rights. Through this initiative, over 12,000 women have been reached, with 2,200 female lawyers empowered to provide pro-bono legal services.

In addition, the foundation’s “Craftswomanship” project — Princess Lamia’s “own baby,” as she called it — has trained more than 3,500 women artisans, linking them to global markets and providing them with sustainable livelihoods.

“Those are ladies who are really preserving our culture, taking care of our history and tradition, and the funny thing is, they don’t understand the importance of the work they do on the community and on our vision and perspective,” said Princess Lamia.

“And when the Vision 2030 came, our visionary Prince Mohammed bin Salman, highlighted the importance of this culture and how this can be the most powerful soft power around the world. So we didn’t think twice, and we took this initiative.”

These projects reflect a broader movement within Saudi Arabia to embrace women’s contributions to culture and society, said Princess Lamia, a shift that has been supported by Vision 2030’s emphasis on economic diversification and inclusive growth.

Education has long been an area of strength for women in Saudi Arabia, and Prof. Einas Al-Eisa, president of Princess Noura bint Abdul Rahman University, the largest women’s university in the world, provided a compelling overview of how education has become a key driver for female empowerment.

Historically, Saudi women have outpaced men academically, with higher enrollment rates in schools and universities. However, despite these achievements, women faced significant barriers in transitioning from education to the workforce.

The arrival of Vision 2030 brought a dramatic shift in this regard, offering women greater opportunities in sectors traditionally dominated by men. As Al-Eisa explained, Vision 2030’s focus on women’s active participation in the workforce, alongside reforms such as childcare support and flexible working conditions, has made it possible for women to enter diverse industries like healthcare, ICT, and energy. Notably, women’s representation in Saudi Arabia’s ICT sector rose from a mere 7 percent to 35 percent, and the country is now home to women leading engineering schools and co-ed institutions.

Dr. Maimoonah Al-Khalil, secretary general of the Family Affairs Council, reflected on the data-driven approach of Saudi Vision 2030, which is constantly evaluating progress in real time to ensure that women’s empowerment is moving forward at an accelerated pace.

With women’s labor force participation soaring from 17 percent to 36 percent since 2016, and the unemployment rate for women dropping from 34 percent to 13.6 percent, Saudi Arabia is surpassing its targets ahead of the 2030 deadline.

The percentage of women in leadership roles, particularly in STEM fields, has also seen significant growth, underscoring the depth of the societal transformation underway.

Al-Khalil highlighted that these reforms, which are deeply rooted in Saudi Arabia’s values and culture, have led to a thriving and diverse economy in which women are contributing not only in education and healthcare but also as entrepreneurs, freelancers, and leaders in new, high-tech industries.

Reflecting on the broader socio-cultural changes occurring in the Kingdom, Al-Eisa shared her personal journey as a woman in Saudi Arabia before the reforms. She spoke candidly about the struggles women faced in achieving their goals in the past, when efforts often felt like they were in vain.

However, with the introduction of Vision 2030, this sentiment has dramatically shifted. “The trust in women has yielded magnificent results,” she said, stressing that the key to success lies not just in hard work but in having the support and trust of the system and society at large.

The reforms implemented under Vision 2030 are not only seen as significant within the Kingdom, but are also making waves globally.

Saudi Arabia’s growing political and economic engagement, including the appointment of women as ambassadors and ministers, is creating a ripple effect that is inspiring other nations in the region and beyond to follow suit.

The Kingdom is at the forefront of a cultural and social revolution that is shaping the future of women in the country, the panelists concluded.

From education and healthcare to politics, business, and beyond, women are increasingly occupying spaces once thought to be out of reach. Yet, as Al-Khalil noted, the work is far from over.

“The sky is the limit,” she said, reflecting the ambitious spirit of Saudi Arabia’s ongoing journey toward equality, empowerment, and progress.

Panelists said that transformative strides made by Saudi women over the past decade serve as a powerful example of what can be achieved when political will, societal transformation, and a commitment to education and economic inclusion align.

With Vision 2030 continuing to guide the country’s future, Saudi Arabia’s story of women’s empowerment is far from finished — it is only just beginning.


Thousands worldwide benefit from KSrelief medical programs

Thousands worldwide benefit from KSrelief medical programs
Updated 11 min 31 sec ago
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Thousands worldwide benefit from KSrelief medical programs

Thousands worldwide benefit from KSrelief medical programs
  • On Saturday, the organization also concluded its volunteer open-heart surgery and catheterization project in Dushanbe, Tajikistan

RIYADH: The Saudi aid agency KSrelief completed medical programs in Tajikistan, Turkiye, and Tanzania, in line with the organization’s aim to support injured people worldwide.

The Saudi Noor Campaign, which will conclude on May 6, is tackling blindness in Zanzibar, Tanzania.

The medical team examined 1,731 cases, assigned 198 prescription glasses, performed 60 operations and provided medication to 857 patients.

In Reyhanli district, Türkiye, KSrelief carried out a prosthetics and rehabilitation program.

With a team of 13 specialists, they fitted 36 individuals with prosthetics and 40 orthopedic splints.

On Saturday, the organization also concluded its volunteer open-heart surgery and catheterization project in Dushanbe, Tajikistan.

The team performed 133 open-heart catheterizations and 15 open-heart operations.

 


KSrelief continues humanitarian initiatives in Yemen and Syria

KSrelief continues humanitarian initiatives in Yemen and Syria
Updated 30 min 28 sec ago
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KSrelief continues humanitarian initiatives in Yemen and Syria

KSrelief continues humanitarian initiatives in Yemen and Syria

RIYADH: The Saudi aid agency KSrelief continues to launch volunteer programs throughout the Arab world to address humanitarian crises and improve the health of Yemeni and Syrian people.

In Damascus, the team completed three volunteer initiatives that supported hundreds with disaster response, administrative training, and psychosocial support for women and children. The program ran from April 26 to May 3.

In Yemen, meanwhile, KSrelief completed the first phase of an outreach vaccination campaign in the Aden governorate in collaboration with Yemen’s Minister of Public Health and Population Qasem Buhaibeh.

On Friday, the organization launched vocational training courses in Wadi Hadhramaut, Yemen, to improve the livelihood of locals and boost economic development.

The project targeted 1,500 people and focused on home appliance maintenance, carpentry, vehicle repair, men’s tailoring, beekeeping, plumbing, photography, and electricity and energy.

 


Saudi fashion event highlights retail trends, youth culture, and digital innovation

Saudi fashion event highlights retail trends, youth culture, and digital innovation
Updated 04 May 2025
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Saudi fashion event highlights retail trends, youth culture, and digital innovation

Saudi fashion event highlights retail trends, youth culture, and digital innovation
  • Speakers noted that the increase in entertainment activities such as concerts and dining in the Kingdom in recent years has led to higher demand for fashion products because people are looking for ways to express themselves

RIYADH: A Riyadh fashion seminar on Sunday brought together industry leaders and creatives to explore the future of Saudi Arabia’s fashion economy.

Hosted by Chalhoub Group at Lakum Art Space, the event featured keynote presentations, panel discussions, and displays by 10 emerging Saudi designers from The Fashion Lab Cohort 2.

Rafi Dikranian and Mohammed Bajbaa speak on “From Drops to Drives: Connecting with Communities,” exploring how culture, streetwear, and grassroots branding are reshaping consumer engagement. (AN photo by Waad Hussain)

The agenda focused on three main themes: the evolution of fashion retail in the Kingdom; the role of cultural identity in building brands; and the rising importance of digital fashion and collaboration.

An awards ceremony honored the standout talents of this year’s cohort: APOA, Awaken, Bucketbox, Mona Al-Shebil, Noble & Fresh, Nora Al-Shaikh, Rebirth, Samar Nasraldin, The Untitled Project and USCITA.

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Hosted by Chalhoub Group at Lakum Art Space, the event featured keynote presentations, panel discussions, and displays by 10 emerging Saudi designers from The Fashion Lab Cohort 2.

One discussion explored consumer behavior in Saudi Arabia, revealing that the local market continues to grow despite global slowdowns.

Saudi brands that blend cultural heritage with bold innovation, as featured in the latest Fashion Lab showcase. (AN photo by Waad Hussain)

Speakers noted that the increase in entertainment activities such as concerts and dining in the Kingdom in recent years has led to higher demand for fashion products because people are looking for ways to express themselves.

Retail experiences — both physical and digital — were emphasized as key to engaging Saudi consumers.

Michael Chalhoub, CEO of Chalhoub Group, delivers the opening keynote at The Fashion Seminar 2025, highlighting the importance of creativity and cross-sector collaboration in shaping the future of Saudi fashion. (AN photo by Waad Hussain)

Youth culture, streetwear and sports are shaping brand narratives, a panel heard. Speakers discussed how fashion is being used as a tool for cultural storytelling, with an emphasis on grassroots creativity and community building.

Another topic highlighted the power of collaboration between local and international brands. Panelists discussed the importance of long-term partnerships, manufacturing localization, and mentorship to bridge gaps in knowledge and infrastructure.

Speakers also addressed the future of digital fashion, including virtual design, retail innovation, and new marketing strategies targeting Gen Z.

Saudi Arabia’s growing role in shaping the regional and global fashion economy was a prominent theme of the discussions.

 

 


First Saudi-Maldives forum to tackle transparency, governance in tourism

First Saudi-Maldives forum to tackle transparency, governance in tourism
Updated 04 May 2025
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First Saudi-Maldives forum to tackle transparency, governance in tourism

First Saudi-Maldives forum to tackle transparency, governance in tourism
  • Discussions aim to support sustainable development, promote safe tourism environment

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia — in partnership with the Maldives — is organizing the tourism sector’s inaugural Saudi-Maldives International Forum on Integrity, which is set to take place in the Maldives from May 6 to 7.

The forum is jointly organized by Saudi Arabia’s Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority, and the Maldives’ Anti-Corruption Commission, in cooperation with the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.

It will cover key topics such as enhancing transparency and governance in the tourism sector, combating corruption, and boosting international partnerships and expertise exchange among member states and regional and international organizations.

The discussions aim to support sustainable development and promote a trustworthy and safe tourism environment, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The forum is expected to attract international participation from more than 40 countries and 10 regional and international organizations.

Attendees will include ministers, heads, and representatives of anti-corruption bodies from OIC member states, as well as key international organizations like the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, Interpol, the Global Operational Network of Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Authorities, and the UN Development Programme. Local and international experts will also take part.

Organizing the forum reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to global efforts promoting transparency and accountability in tourism, according to the SPA.

The event highlights Saudi Arabia’s recognition of tourism as a key driver of sustainable development, in line with Vision 2030. It aims to build a thriving tourism sector, diversify national income sources, and stimulate economic growth.

 


Saudi deputy minister receives Pakistan’s ambassador

Waleed Elkhereiji (R) holds talks with Ahmed Farooq in Riyadh. (Supplied)
Waleed Elkhereiji (R) holds talks with Ahmed Farooq in Riyadh. (Supplied)
Updated 04 May 2025
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Saudi deputy minister receives Pakistan’s ambassador

Waleed Elkhereiji (R) holds talks with Ahmed Farooq in Riyadh. (Supplied)
  • They discussed bilateral relations as well as prominent developments in regional and international arenas

RIYADH: Saudi Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Waleed Elkhereiji received Pakistan’s Ambassador to the Kingdom Ahmed Farooq in Riyadh on Sunday.

During the meeting, they discussed bilateral relations as well as prominent developments in regional and international arenas, the Foreign Ministry wrote on X.

Meanwhile, Saudi Deputy Minister for International Multilateral Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Rassi received EU Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Christophe Varno in Riyadh.