Introduction: The United Nations (UN) Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) has unanimously appointed Saudi Arabia to chair its 69th session in 2025. Abdulaziz Alwasil, the Permanent Representative of Saudi Arabia to the UN, will succeed Antonio Manuel Lagdameo of the Philippines as the chair.
Key Points:
- Historic Appointment: Abdulaziz Alwasil becomes the first-ever permanent representative of Saudi Arabia to chair the CSW since its establishment in 1946.
- Mandate: As chair, Saudi Arabia will promote gender equality and empower women worldwide.
- Saudi Vision 2030: The reform initiative of Saudi Arabia includes priorities and targets focused on enhancing women’s participation at all levels and utilizing their capabilities effectively.
Controversy:
- Human Rights Concerns: The unopposed bid for leadership faced condemnation from human rights groups due to Saudi Arabia’s “abysmal” record on women’s rights.
About CSW:
- Establishment: Founded in 1946.
- Objective: Promotes gender equality and women’s empowerment.
- Governance: It is a functional commission of the UN’s Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
- Membership: Comprises 45 States elected by ECOSOC based on equitable geographical distribution:
- 13 members from Africa
- 11 from Asia
- 9 from Latin America and the Caribbean
- 8 from Western Europe and other States
- 4 from Eastern Europe
- Term: New members are elected for a four-year term.
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