Baabda: President of the Republic, General Joseph Aoun, on Wednesday received the UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN Women, Sima Bahous, along with a delegation from the UN Women Beirut office at Baabda Palace. During the meeting, Bahous congratulated President Aoun on the one-year anniversary of his presidential term, expressing her solidarity with the Lebanese people.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, Bahous highlighted the significant role of Lebanese women as a vital component for stability and recovery. She emphasized UN Women's readiness to support Lebanon's commitments within the Women, Peace and Security agenda. Moreover, Bahous commended the efforts of Lebanon's First Lady, Mrs. Nehmat Aoun, in promoting the values women represent and their capacity for societal leadership and gender equality. She also encouraged Lebanese women to participate in upcoming parliamentary elections and strive for leadership positions.
President Aoun acknowledged the pioneering efforts of Lebanese women across various sectors. He noted the inclusion of five women in Prime Minister Nawaf Salam's government and the presence of women in leadership roles within public institutions. The President mentioned measures to enhance women's participation in security institutions, where female officers have assumed key leadership positions. He also praised Bahous's commitment to advancing women's roles in international forums.
In a separate meeting, President Aoun welcomed Huda Ibrahim Al-Khamis, founder of the Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation, and her delegation. Khamis presented opportunities for cultural collaboration between the Abu Dhabi Festival and Lebanese cultural institutions. She emphasized support for celebrating the centenary of Mansour Rahbani and efforts to revive the memorandum of understanding between the Abu Dhabi Festival and the Baalbek International Festivals. A joint production is anticipated for the Baalbek International Festivals next July.
Khamis extended an invitation to President Aoun to attend the 23rd round of the Abu Dhabi Festival, scheduled from April 12 to May 16, under the theme "Wisdom of Culture." President Aoun expressed appreciation for the artistic collaboration and the strengthening of fraternal ties between Lebanon and the United Arab Emirates.