June 15, 2026
The Arab Women Authority has announced a historic decision to designate the Swiss city of Geneva as its permanent headquarters, in a move aimed at strengthening and revitalizing the role of Arab women leaders on the international stage.
This decision marks a significant milestone and a major strategic shift in the journey of joint Arab women’s action. By positioning the Authority in the heart of the world’s diplomatic capital, it creates unprecedented opportunities for Arab women leaders to engage directly and effectively within international decision-making circles.
In a media survey conducted by the Arab Women Authority’s Media Office, a number of distinguished female figures expressed their pride in this historic transition, describing it as a qualitative leap forward for Arab non-governmental women’s initiatives in the international arena.
Renowned Kuwaiti poet and economist Suad Al-Sabah stated that the launch of the Arab Women Authority more than a quarter of a century ago was a civilizational initiative worthy of the history and struggles of Arab women in pursuit of education, professional achievement, and active participation in nation-building.
She added:
“I am delighted that Geneva has been selected as the Authority’s permanent headquarters. It is a city whose name has long been associated with freedoms, international human rights treaties, and dialogue among nations.”
Dr. Rola Dashti, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of ESCWA, stated that the decision to designate Geneva as the permanent headquarters of the Arab Women Authority is far more than an institutional move; it is a strategic step that reflects the growing role of Arab women as key partners in development, peacebuilding, and community advancement.
She noted that Geneva’s status as a global center for multilateral diplomacy and international policymaking makes it an ideal location for the Authority. Furthermore, Geneva will provide a unique platform for elevating Arab women’s issues on the international agenda and for strengthening cooperation with the numerous international organizations and non-governmental institutions based in the city.
In the same context, academic and civil society leader Nisreen Barwari, former Minister of Municipalities and Public Works and a prominent advocate in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, noted that the Authority’s permanent presence in Geneva would significantly enhance communication channels and strategic partnerships with specialized international and United Nations organizations headquartered there.
She highlighted key institutions including the European headquarters of the United Nations, the Human Rights Council, the International Labour Organization, the World Health Organization, as well as numerous diplomatic missions and leading global human rights and development organizations.
Meanwhile, Thoraya Ahmed Obaid, former Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund and former Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations, expressed her belief that this new direction represents an important effort to unite the expertise and talents of Arab women while building strong bridges of cooperation with the international community. Such collaboration, she noted, will contribute to advancing women’s causes, facilitating knowledge exchange, and supporting sustainable development.
Nancy Bakir, former Assistant Secretary-General of the League of Arab States and former Minister of Culture of Jordan, remarked:
“I have followed the journey of the Arab Women Authority since my tenure at the League of Arab States and participated, in my official capacity, in many of its activities both at the League’s headquarters and in various Arab capitals. It has been a remarkable and inspiring journey that has brought together Arab women through its member federations and associations. Under the banner of the Arab Women Authority, efforts have been directed toward coordinating and expanding the horizons of joint Arab women’s action. Its presence today in Geneva represents a consolidation of Arab women’s leadership and visibility on the global stage.”
The statements concluded with remarks from Rawya Al Busaidi, former Minister of Higher Education of the Sultanate of Oman, who expressed her pleasure at seeing the Arab Women Authority establish itself in Geneva, the capital of global diplomacy.
She recalled with appreciation receiving the Distinguished Arab Woman Award from the Authority, describing it as one of the most cherished honors of her career, presented during a prestigious ceremony in Tripoli, Libya.
She concluded by wishing the Authority continued distinction, success, and an ever-growing presence on the international stage.
