The Ambassador Series Celebrates International Women’s Day 2020
On March 3, 2020 the United Nations Association of New York, in partnership with Columbia University Club of New York, had the pleasure to host another edition in its Ambassador Series events. Slightly ahead of this year’s International Women’s Day, we heard inspiring stories from Ambassador Adela Raz, the first woman to serve as the Republic of Afghanistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations.
In her opening remarks, Ambassador Raz shared what it was like to study abroad as the first woman in her family while growing up in Afghanistan. In her own words, she said “it was unimaginable to think about becoming an Ambassador of my own country at the United Nations.”
Furthermore, she shared an interesting perspective on the current state of affairs of past and future generations. Not only is Afghanistan in a critical and challenging time, but recently on February 29, the United States-Taliban peace deal was finally signed, achieving a long-sought out political settlement.
There is now a window of opportunity that has opened, government officials have said, and no compromise will be made to the freedom of women, press and young people in the political process. Some uncertainty remains to be resolved for Afghan citizens who have been concerned over past years about the external support their government receives from neighboring countries.
We also heard how Ambassador Raz views the crucial role and advocacy her country plays in the rights of women in her position, as well as in other regions of the world. “We have one of the youngest populations in the world,” she said, and Afghan youth remains at the forefront of sustainable development while helping move the country forward.
After celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan’s Independence Day, Ambassador Raz has contributed efforts to her own country’s work of sustaining peace, stability and prosperity. Afghanistan was amongst the first states to join the United Nations and has since been standing at the frontline of state building and democracy.
UNA-NY is committed to continue the discussion to promote women rights, celebrate International Women’s Day and actively participate in the dialogue on the Status of Women during the CSW annual conference (which unfortunately was cancelled by the UN this year). Our special thanks to the Permanent Mission of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to the United Nations.
Photos: Melanie Zhang