September 19, 2025
Beirut – Her Excellency Dr. Rola Dashti, UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of ESCWA, was formally presented with the “Distinguished Arab Woman Award” for 2025 in the field of international organizations on Thursday, in a ceremony held at the UN headquarters in Beirut.
The award was granted to HE Dr. Dashti in recognition of her distinguished career and exceptional achievements as an inspiring figure in public service. Her journey began in the State of Kuwait, where she was a pioneering advocate for women’s right to vote and run for office. This paved the way for her election to the Kuwaiti National Assembly and her appointment to high-level ministerial positions, culminating in her assuming the highest international office as the first Arab woman to serve as a UN Under-Secretary-General.
The official congratulatory letter was delivered by Ms. Yasmine Bekdache Assistant Secretary-General of the Arab Women Authority, who conveyed the Authority’s congratulations and blessings on this well-deserved honour. She emphasized that the award reflects the Arab world’s appreciation for the efforts of women leaders and their achievements in enriching the journey of sustainable development.
For her part, HE Dr. Rola Dashti expressed her profound gratitude to the Arab Women Authority, stating her admiration for the pioneering initiatives and projects the Authority has implemented over more than a quarter of a century in the field of women’s empowerment. She confirmed her full readiness for joint cooperation in programs aimed at training women and developing their professional skills to meet the demands of the labour market.
Background on the Award: Launched under the auspices of the League of Arab States in 2004, the “Distinguished Arab Woman Award” is the highest Arab honour bestowed upon innovative and pioneering women in various fields, recognizing their achievements and their role in building societies.
