CNN —A decision by the United Nations to appoint Saudi Arabia as the chair of a gender equality forum has been criticized by women’s rights advocates. The UN’s Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) unanimously appointed Saudi Arabia to chair its 69th session in 2025, according to the Saudi Arabia Mission to the UN. “The Commission on the Status of Women has a clear mandate to promote women’s rights and gender equality and it is vital for the chair of the commission to uphold this. “Saudi Arabia cannot prove its commitment to women’s rights merely by securing a leadership role in the commission. The Saudi government website “Saudi Vision 2030” says it aims for “a strong, thriving, and stable Saudi Arabia that provides opportunity for all.”The Saudi Press Agency added, “The Saudi Vision 2030 also included priorities and targets that focused on women’s full participation at all levels and investing their energies in a manner consistent with their enormous capabilities.”

---

Persons: Abdulaziz Alwasil, Tadros, ” Tadros, “, persecutes Organizations: CNN, United Nations, Saudi Arabia Mission, UN, Amnesty International, Rights Watch, Saudi Press Agency, Saudi Locations: Saudi Arabia, Saudi, “ Saudi Arabia