Secretary-General of the Association of Arab Universities Inaugurates the Arab International Forum for Women Diplomacy

H.E. Prof. Dr. Amr Ezzat Salama, Secretary-General of the Association of Arab Universities, inaugurated the fifth edition of the Arab International Forum for Women Diplomacy, held under the theme: “Impact Shapes Leadership.” The forum is organized by the Arab Council for Social Responsibility and Sustainable Development, in cooperation with the League of Arab States, under the patronage of the Association of Arab Universities, and hosted at “Beit Al-Arab” at the General Secretariat headquarters of the League of Arab States in Cairo.

In his opening remarks, H.E. stressed that true leadership is measured by sustainable impact rather than positions, noting that Arab women have become key partners in decision-making, modern diplomacy, and advancing development pathways while building bridges of dialogue and cooperation among nations.

He commended the Arab Council for Social Responsibility and Sustainable Development, as well as the efforts led by Prof. Dr. Randa Rizk in organizing this distinguished forum, which integrates women’s empowerment, diplomacy, and sustainable development, while reinforcing the concept of impactful institutional action in Arab joint work.

He further highlighted those rapid transformations in global diplomacy, driven by digital transformation and artificial intelligence, have increased the importance of women’s participation as key actors in crisis management and peacebuilding, citing international indicators that confirm their contribution to the sustainability of peace agreements. He also noted the significant Arab progress in women’s empowerment in higher education, research, and academic leadership, where women now represent nearly half of university students across the Arab region, with an expanding presence in academic decision-making roles.

The forum reaffirmed the importance of strengthening Arab joint efforts among academic, diplomatic, and development institutions to support women’s empowerment and enhance their presence in leadership and decision-making positions. It also reflects a growing regional shift toward embedding modern diplomacy based on knowledge, partnership, and sustainable impact, while strengthening the role of Arab women as active partners in development.