FNC Contributes to Asian Parliamentary Assembly’s Social Affairs Dialogue
The UAE's Federal National Council participated in a two-day meeting of the Asian Parliamentary Assembly's Standing Committee on Social and Cultural Affairs in Tajikistan, where delegations discussed multilateral cooperation across pressing regional concerns.
The UAE Parliamentary Division of the Federal National Council engaged with counterparts from across Asia at a significant gathering of the Asian Parliamentary Assembly’s Standing Committee on Social and Cultural Affairs, held in Dushanbe, Republic of Tajikistan, over two days this week.
The forum brought together parliamentarians to examine draft resolutions spanning several dimensions of collaborative development. Discussions encompassed technological integration as a catalyst for regional advancement, alongside frameworks for health justice cooperation and cultural property protection. Delegates also deliberated measures to counter illicit drug trafficking, reflecting shared commitments to security and rule of law across the continent.
Beyond security concerns, the agenda addressed broader social foundations. Participants considered resolutions promoting youth development and child welfare within sustainable frameworks, addressed demographic challenges through policies concerning older persons, and examined cultural preservation amid globalisation. Tourism cooperation and expanded multilateral engagement across Eurasia featured prominently in deliberations.
A central focus concerned women’s parliamentary representation throughout Asia. Mohammed Issa Al Kashif, representing the UAE delegation, emphasised that gender balance and women’s empowerment constitute essential foundations for sustainable development and future prosperity. He noted the Emirates’ comprehensive approach, embedding these principles across legislation, policy and institutional practice.
The UAE delegation highlighted substantial achievements in women’s participation across governance structures. Women comprise half of all Federal National Council members, whilst contributing substantially to political, economic, scientific and technological sectors. These outcomes reflect purposeful institutional evolution rather than incidental progress.
Looking forward, Al Kashif referenced the Gender Balance Strategy 2027–2031, which anticipates transformations within labour markets and emerging economic sectors. The strategy addresses artificial intelligence, future skills development and evolving professional landscapes, creating pathways for equal participation and opportunity.
The delegation underscored that women’s empowerment in the UAE has transcended aspirational framing to become embedded within national development architecture. Parliaments, Al Kashif emphasised, hold particular responsibility for advancing this partnership through legislation and policies that institutionalise equal opportunities and systemic balance.
Source: WAM