She said: “This year, we mark the day under the theme ‘Inspiring Reality… Sustainable Future’ because women continue to inspire our reality and play an active role in building the nation’s sustainable future. They have been at the helm of the process and made valuable contributions to sustainability-focused projects and initiatives. As mothers, they are instrumental in educating the new generation about sustainability challenges and nurturing environmental stewards who can make responsible decisions.”

The Minister added that women have always held a special place in Emirati society. She said: “With the wholehearted support and care of our wise leadership, primarily the UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the ‘Mother of the Nation’ Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, the UAE ranked first regionally and 18^th globally in the Gender Inequality Index of the UN Development Programme’s Human Development Report 2020.

“We at the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment have followed the nation’s approach and the directives of its leaders to empower women and involve them in advancing our institution. There are 235 women working at the Ministry, who hold 33 percent of leadership positions, 46 percent of technical positions, and 27 percent of executive positions. I personally thank each and every one of our female employees for their dedication and hard work that have long been helping the Ministry meet its strategic objectives and build a strong reputation. Together, we are reaching new heights, and I look forward to our future achievements.”