Sharjah Hosts Diplomatic Day to Strengthen Cultural Exchange and Women's Empowerment
In a significant step toward enhancing international diplomatic relations and fostering women’s empowerment, the Department of Government Relations (DGR) in Sharjah, in collaboration with the Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council (ICCC), organized the “Diplomatic Day for Women Ambassadors in the UAE” on Thursday.
The event, held at Khor Kalba Centre, brought together 12 distinguished female ambassadors and diplomats, providing a platform for meaningful discussions on cultural exchange, leadership, and sustainable development. The gathering also highlighted Sharjah’s leadership in supporting women across various sectors and reinforced the emirate’s role as a global hub for dialogue and cooperation.
Strengthening International Partnerships
The event was attended by notable figures, including Sheikha Jawaher bint Abdullah Al Qasimi, Sheikha Hind Bint Majid Al Qasimi, and Reem Bin Karam, alongside key representatives from Sharjah’s institutions.
Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi, Chairman of DGR, emphasized the emirate’s commitment to strengthening diplomatic partnerships and facilitating cross-cultural collaboration.
“Sharjah is dedicated to fostering meaningful international partnerships that align with shared global objectives. This event reflects our mission to build bridges between diplomatic missions, drive impactful initiatives, and showcase Sharjah’s vision for empowering women across diverse sectors, from education and culture to trade, industry, and social development,” he said.
Women in Diplomacy and Cultural Heritage
Reem Bin Karam, Director General of Irthi, highlighted the significance of traditional crafts in diplomacy, stating:
“The event provided an opportunity to underscore the role of heritage crafts in cultural exchange, strengthening bonds between nations. It also opened new avenues for global collaborations that support sustainability and empower female artisans.”
The participating diplomats and ambassadors engaged in workshops and discussions that explored the role of culture, creativity, and sustainability in global development.
Distinguished Participants
The event welcomed several high-profile diplomats, including:
- Sajeda Shawa – Head of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)
- Tuula Yrjola – Ambassador of Finland
- Natalia Al Mansour – Ambassador of Slovenia
- Marie Opombo – Ambassador of the Democratic Republic of Congo
- Maria Camilleri Calleja – Ambassador of Malta
- Dana Goldfinca – Ambassador of Latvia
- Maria Belovas – Ambassador of Estonia
- Alison Milton – Ambassador of Ireland
- Meropi Christofi – Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus
- Dr. Annalee Cecelia Babb – Ambassador of Barbados
- Dieminatou Sangare – Ambassador of the Republic of Mali
- H.E. Valentina Bernasconi – Head of the International Committee of the Red Cross Mission in the UAE (ICRC)
Preserving Emirati Crafts with a Modern Vision
A key highlight of the event was the Irthi workshop, where participants explored a range of traditional Emirati crafts infused with contemporary creativity. Diplomats had the opportunity to interact with skilled artisans, gaining insights into sustainable practices that adapt traditional crafts to modern market demands.
This initiative reaffirms Sharjah’s dedication to preserving its cultural heritage while ensuring that traditional crafts remain relevant in today’s global economy.
Sharjah’s Global Influence in Women’s Empowerment
The Diplomatic Day for Women Ambassadors aligns with Sharjah’s broader mission to empower women and promote international cultural cooperation. Through such initiatives, the emirate continues to position itself as a key player in global diplomacy, economic sustainability, and cultural heritage preservation.
