UAE and UNODC Join Forces to Strengthen Community Safety and Empower Women Worldwide.
Abu Dhabi: The General Women’s Union (GWU) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) have entered into a new partnership aimed at building safer, more informed and better-protected communities.
The two organisations signed a cooperation agreement in Abu Dhabi, marking what they described as a strategic move to strengthen international collaboration and expand joint efforts in areas of shared interest.
The agreement was signed on the fifth day of the 15th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice in Abu Dhabi. It aims to pave the way for joint initiatives and establish long-term partnerships that contribute to sustainable development.
High-level presence at signing
The signing ceremony was attended by Sheikh Zayed bin Hamad Al Nahyan, Chairman of the National Anti-Narcotics Authority, highlighting the UAE’s focus on strengthening cooperation in crime prevention and community protection.
Noura Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Secretary-General of the General Women’s Union, signed the agreement on behalf of the GWU, while Monica Juma, Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, signed on behalf of UNODC.
‘A commitment to effective partnerships’
Following the signing, Al Suwaidi said the agreement reflects the UAE’s commitment to developing effective partnerships with the United Nations and exploring innovative approaches that deliver tangible benefits to communities.
She described the agreement as an important foundation for expanding cooperation between the two sides and advancing their shared objectives.
Sharing expertise from policy to practice
The partnership will provide a framework for exchanging expertise and knowledge while strengthening cooperation across areas of mutual interest.
Sharing expertise to strengthen community safety
Knowledge exchange is a key focus of the agreement, with the General Women’s Union (GWU) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) set to share expertise, technical knowledge and practical experience from the field.
Al Suwaidi said the cooperation is expected to contribute to greater community safety while expanding the reach of prevention and protection initiatives to benefit a wider section of society.
A unified framework for cooperation
The agreement establishes an institutional framework that brings the two organisations’ efforts and shared objectives together under a coordinated approach.
It also aims to advance development and humanitarian initiatives while ensuring continuous communication between the GWU and UNODC through regular consultation, coordination and exchange of expertise.
Empowering women and raising awareness
Women’s empowerment forms a central pillar of the partnership. Through their joint efforts, the two organisations aim to strengthen the role of women while promoting greater community awareness and contributing to safer and more resilient societies.
The agreement also seeks to further strengthen the standing of Emirati women and highlight their achievements as an inspiring model of leadership and influence on the global stage.
Strengthening women’s role in decision-making
Both sides said the partnership reflects their shared commitment to expanding humanitarian and development efforts while establishing an integrated institutional approach that supports sustainable development and enhances quality of life.
The agreement also reinforces initiatives aimed at empowering women and expanding their role in shaping the future. A key focus will be supporting women’s participation in decision-making processes at both regional and international levels.
