By Her Excellency Amal Yahya Almoalimi, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Canada
On this International Day for Women in Diplomacy, I speak not only as Saudi Arabia's Ambassador to Canada, but also as a proud Saudi woman deeply committed to serving my country on the global stage. This day is more than a celebration—it's a moment to honor the courage, determination, and vision of women who are quietly but powerfully reshaping diplomacy. These women are opening doors, building bridges, and crafting policies that reflect a more inclusive and compassionate world. It's an exciting time to witness this transformation firsthand.
At the heart of this change is the inspired leadership of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the transformative framework of Vision 2030. Under this guidance, Saudi Arabia is witnessing a remarkable shift—one that empowers women to step confidently into roles that were once unimaginable. From ambassadors to policy advisors, Saudi women are increasingly present and influential on the international stage. Today, six Saudi women proudly serve as ambassadors in key global capitals and institutions—from Washington to EU—demonstrating our nation's commitment to meaningful inclusion.
But this progress isn't limited to diplomacy alone. Across the Kingdom, women are stepping into positions of influence and decision-making at an unprecedented pace. Women hold 25% of seats in the Shura Council, and female representation in our diplomatic corps has grown by 150% in recent years. In the Human Rights Commission, women now make up half of the members, shaping conversations about rights and dignity within Saudi Arabia and beyond.
Empowering women also means investing in their talents and dreams. The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology launched the Women Empowerment Program to boost digital skills, encourage entrepreneurship, and bring innovative ideas to life. Over 430 project proposals were presented from all over the Kingdom, with 160 project for training women and 26 projects receiving funding through the Social Development Bank.
This momentum continues in the private sector, where the G20 Private Sector Alliance for Women's Empowerment encourages companies to promote women into leadership roles. Already, 29 Saudi companies have made commitments to this cause, signaling a cultural shift that will shape the future of business in our country.
Legal protections are also vital. The 2013 Protection from Abuse Law was a landmark step, criminalizing all forms of violence against women and girls, reinforcing the values of respect and equality that we hold dear.
Our efforts have not gone unnoticed. In 2020, Saudi Arabia was honored with the EQUALS in Tech Award by the International Telecommunication Union, recognizing our leadership in bridging the gender digital divide. Looking forward, the Kingdom will chair the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women in 2025, highlighting our dedication to advancing gender equality on the world stage.
International collaboration is a cornerstone of our vision. Saudi Arabia proudly supports the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) by funding the development of its General Recommendation on women's participation in decision-making—a testament to our belief in working together to uplift women globally.
As a Saudi woman in diplomacy, I see these achievements not as final destinations, but as the foundation of a brighter, more inclusive future. I feel a deep sense of pride and responsibility to be part of this moment—when barriers are falling, and doors are opening wide for generations to come. We are building a future where opportunity is not limited by gender, where dignity is universal, and where leadership is shared by all who have the passion and talent to serve.
This is the future we are working toward—with hope, determination, and pride.
