Bahrain’s Gender Equality Efforts Recognized by UNIDO Director-General

Her Highness Shaikh Hessa bint Khalifa Al Khalifa, Member of the Supreme Council for Women (SCW), held a meeting with Mr. Gerd Müller, Director-General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), in the presence of Ms. Lolwah bint Saleh Al Awadhi, Secretary-General of the SCW. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 6th World Entrepreneurship Investment Forum (WEIF 2026).

At the start of the meeting, Her Highness conveyed the greetings of Her Royal Highness Princess Sabika bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, wife of His Majesty the King and President of the SCW, emphasizing the Council’s commitment, under her guidance, to expanding cooperation and partnerships with specialized international organizations. This effort aims to support the advancement of Bahraini women and strengthen their contribution to sustainable development.

During the meeting, Her Highness highlighted the key programs and initiatives implemented by the SCW as part of the National Plan for the Advancement of Bahraini Women. She also discussed the National Gender Balance Model, which serves as a framework for promoting equal opportunities and gender balance in national development, including the establishment of Equal Opportunity Committees in ministries and official institutions to ensure fairness and equity in career progression.

The meeting also covered areas of collaboration between the SCW and UNIDO’s Investment and Technology Promotion Office in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

For his part, Mr. Gerd Müller expressed his appreciation for the SCW’s efforts, led by Her Royal Highness Princess Sabika bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, in supporting and empowering Bahraini women at all levels. He praised Bahrain’s notable progress and achievements in promoting equal opportunities and women’s economic participation, underlining the importance of learning from the Kingdom’s experience in advancing women’s empowerment.