GWU and UNODC Sign Cooperation Agreement to Promote Women’s Empowerment
By Fahad Shabbir (@FahadShabbir)
Published September 30, 2026 | 09:45 PM
ABU DHABI (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 30th Sep, 2026) – The General Women’s Union (GWU) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) have signed a cooperation agreement aimed at strengthening prospects for joint action and developing sustainable development partnerships. This strategic move seeks to deepen international cooperation.
The signing ceremony took place in Abu Dhabi, in the presence of Sheikh Zayed bin Hamad Al Nahyan, Chairman of the National Anti-Narcotics Authority.
Noura Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Secretary-General of the General Women’s Union, signed on behalf of GWU, while Monica Juma, Executive Director of UNODC, represented the United Nations.
Noura Al Suwaidi emphasized that the agreement signing reflects the UAE's commitment to strengthening effective partnerships with the United Nations and developing innovative mechanisms benefiting communities. She noted that this understanding provides a crucial foundation for pooling expertise and exchanging technical and field-based perspectives, contributing positively to enhancing community safety and expanding prevention and protection efforts.
The cooperation agreement aims to establish an institutional framework for unifying joint endeavors and shared visions, advancing development and humanitarian initiatives, and reinforcing the position of Emirati women as an inspiring global model of influence. It also seeks to strengthen mechanisms for continuous and effective consultation and coordination between the two sides in support of women’s empowerment and building safer, more aware communities.
The agreement signing reflects a shared commitment to expanding horizons of humanitarian and development work, offering an integrated institutional model that strengthens sustainable quality of life foundations. It supports efforts to empower women and enhance their pivotal role in shaping the future and participating in decision-making at both regional and international levels.