DUBAI: The international forum titled “Promoting friendship and cooperation between nations and peoples” was held in Saudi Arabia this week.

The conference, held in partnership with the UN and EU, focused on the role of women in societies, with the aim of helping to achieve equity in all types of leadership positions.

It was attended by Mohammed bin Abdul Karim Al-Issa, the secretary-general of the Muslim World League, and Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović, Croatia’s former president and an activist working on promoting women’s rights.

“Continuing efforts to strengthen friendship and cooperation among nations and peoples is an urgent necessity for the peace of our world and the harmony of its diverse national societies,” Al-Issa said.

He stressed that women have been marginalized throughout history, which has deprived societies of their skills and competencies. Their successes and influence, he added, have been abundantly demonstrated at various levels.

“I am delighted to witness these historic changes here in person in Riyadh, and I would like to congratulate you for your contribution, efforts and dedication to engaging women,” Grabar-Kitarović said, highlighting the positive changes taking place in Saudi Arabia.

“I must say that when I came to the Kingdom two days ago, I came with a little misunderstanding, as my knowledge was based on what I read in the international media,” she added, expressing her appreciation of what has been achieved so far.