Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – September 17, 2024

The Women Development Organization (WDO) convened a high-level meeting at the Embassy of the Republic of Djibouti in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Tuesday, September 17, 2024. Organized in collaboration with His Excellency, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in Riyadh, Ambassador Diaa-Eddine Bamakhrama, Ambassador of the Republic of Djibouti, the event brought together more than 50 ambassadors and representatives from member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Yaoundé, Cameroon, August 30, 2024 – The Women Development Organization (WDO) participated in the 50th session of the Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Yaoundé, Cameroon. Led by the Executive Director Dr. Afnan Alshuaiby, the WDO delegation engaged in productive discussions with ministers, heads of sister organizations, and representatives from OIC member states.

Cairo, Arab Republic of Egypt – 12^th of August 2024

The Women Development Organization (WDO)’s virtual symposium, “Palestinian Women and Girls: Challenges and Resilience,” successfully brought together a distinguished group of experts and policymakers to address the pressing issues faced by Palestinian women and girls.

H.E. Dr. Afnan Alshuaiby, Executive Director of WDO, met with H.E. Dr. Ali bin Abdullah bin Musa, Secretary-General of the International Council for Arabic Language in the Organization’s Headquarters in Cairo. Both parties discussed ways to strengthen joint cooperation in empowering women and promoting the Arabic language. They agreed on the importance of utilizing women's expertise and capabilities in various fields to serve the Arabic language, especially in light of the challenges it faces in the current era. They have also discussed preparations for the upcoming International Arabic Language Conference. The conference aims to highlight women's role in preserving the Arabic language. Both parties emphasized the importance of active women's participation in the conference to provide insights and develop plans to protect and enhance the status of the Arabic language.

H.E. Dr. Afnan Alshuaiby the Executive Director of WDO met with H.E. Mr. Nasser Ayman Majali, Secretary General of the Islamic Solidarity Sports Federation, which is affiliated with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation ( OIC ) during the UN OIC General Meeting in Astana, Kazakhastan. They discussed programs of common interest between the two organizations and how some of the Federation's programs can be adapted to empower women in sports within the member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

H.E. Dr. Afnan Alshuaiby, the Executive Director of the Women Development Organization WDO, met with Dr. Moez Doraid, Regional Director of, UN Women Regional Director in the Arab States during the UN OIC General Meeting in Astana, Kazakhastan. They discussed various shared topics aimed at empowering women in several member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. Both parties agreed to continue their meetings and formulate action plans for effective collaboration.

H.E. Dr. Afnan Alshuaiby met with the Director General of IOFS, H.E. Berik Aryn, at the organization's headquarters in the capital Astana, Kazakhstan, on the sidelines of the general meetings between United Nations organizations and Organization of Islamic Cooperation organizations.

H.E. Dr. Afnan Alshuaiby, the Executive Director of WDO, had an insightful meeting with the Assistant Director General of the Food and Agriculture Organization FAO H.E. Dr. Abdulhakim Elwaer and the Regional Director of the Near East, North Africa, and Europe Division (NEN) in the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) H.E. Ms. Dina Saleh during the UN OIC General Meeting in Astana, Kazakhastan.

H.E. Dr. Afnan Alshuaiby, Executive Director of the Women Development Organization-WDO, met with H.E. Ms. Aida Balaeva, Minister of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan, who is responsible for gender equality and family issues to discuss ways to enhance women’s empowerment and promote joint cooperation. During the meeting with H.E. Ms. Aida Balaeva, Minister of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan, who is responsible for gender equality and family issues, H.E. Dr. Afnan Alshuaiby highlighted the organization's efforts and extended an invitation for Kazakhstan to join WDO as a member state. In response, H.E. the Minister expressed their interest in joining the Women Development Organization.

The Women Development Organization’s WDO delegation, headed by the Executive Director, Her Excellency Dr. Afnan Alshuaiby announces
its participation in the UN-OIC General Meeting in Astana, Kazakhstan. This meeting brings together international leaders and organizations, dedicated to fostering global cooperation and peace. WDO’s participation highlights our commitment to empowering women across OIC member states.