ABU DHABI, 5th May, 2025 (WAM) -- As part of its cultural and intellectual programme at the 34th Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, the Muslim Council of Elders' pavilion hosted a seminar titled "Women and the Building of a Generation Capable of Spreading the Values of Coexistence and Peace."

The session featured Sheikha Khulood Al Qassimi, Assistant Undersecretary at the Ministry of Education in the UAE, and Ambassador Nabila Makram, Former Minister of Immigration and Egyptian Expatriates. The event was attended by a distinguished group of intellectuals, researchers, and book fair visitors.

Sheikha Khulood Al Qassimi emphasised that women play a foundational-not merely complementary-role in society. She described women as vital agents in instilling noble human values and nurturing generations capable of leading the future. She noted that the moral and intellectual challenges facing societies today require viewing tolerance and acceptance not just as ideals, but as existential necessities. Highlighting the pivotal role of mothers, she stressed that dialogue begins in the home, where wise women cultivate empathy, compassion, and openness in their children. Women, she noted, are the first institutions of dialogue-especially through the role of mothers in teaching active listening and respect for differing viewpoints.

Sheikha Khulood Al Qassimi also praised the outstanding achievements of Emirati women across various sectors, made possible by the continuous support of the UAE's wise leadership-from the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may he rest in peace, to the present day. She highlighted that women currently comprise half of the Federal National Council, more than two-thirds of the public sector workforce, nearly 80% of the healthcare sector, and around 69% of university graduates.