Abu Dhabi, 11th Nov. 2008 -- The UAE takes great interest in the issue of human security and looks forward to the ideas and discussions that lie ahead on the relationship between human security and women, Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, President of Arab Women's Organisation (AWO), said today.

''Human security is one of the newest concepts used with regards to the principles of freedom, security and development. It is an evolving concept that focuses on transforming those principles into commitments and applicable mechanisms,'' Sheikha Fatima, also Chairwoman of the UAE General Women's Union (GWU) and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF), told the opening session of the 2nd Conference of the Arab Women's Organisation.

The three-day high-profile gathering is being hosted by the UAE between 11th and 13th November at the Emirates Palace Hotel under the theme : "Women and human security: An Arab and International Perspective" In her inaugural speech, Sheikha Fatima added :''In this respect, human security encompasses topics like human rights, good governance, the potential for getting access to education and healthcare and a clean environment, the eradication of poverty and the guaranteeing of equal opportunities to individuals so that they may realise their potential.

''All these are necessary ingredients for a decent and equitable human life,''she told the audience of Arab First Ladies, heads of delegations, leaders and representatives of Arab, regional and international women organisations, delegates, AWO members and women rights activists.

''The issues related to human security are basically universal and are generally shared by all people wherever they are. It is important, therefore, to tackle them in a highly co-ordinated manner and through openness and a positive dialogue that takes into consideration cultural peculiarities and seeks to bridge differences.

''We in the UAE are extremely happy to host this important event so that we may renew our commitment to supporting women's causes as one of the most vital issues in our struggle to achieve comprehensive Arab progress.

''We believe that positive dialogue and interaction among different cultures are key instruments for reform, progress and peace,''she added.

Following is the full text of Sheikha Fatima's speech Your Majesties, Your Highnesses.

Your Excellencies, the Heads of Delegations and Distinguished Guests, It is my pleasure to welcome you here and to thank you for accepting the invitation to attend the second conference of the Arab Women Organisation, held on the theme: "Women and human security: Arab and International Perspectives".

We sincerely hope that the meeting will add great value to the current efforts aimed at supporting Arab women and contributing to their betterment in the future.

I would like to begin by offering thanks to Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah and to Her Highness Sheikha Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa for their valuable contributions during their respective terms as President of the Organisation.

I am also pleased to extend my thanks to Mrs. Suzanne Mubarak, who launched the initiative of the Arab Women Summit and who recommended that an organisation for Arab women be established.

My thanks also go to the Arab First Ladies for their continuous support for the Organisation.

The UAE takes great interest in this conference and looks forward to the ideas and discussions that lie ahead on the relationship between human security and women.

Human security is one of the newest concepts used with regards to the principles of freedom, security and development. It is an evolving concept that focuses on transforming those principles into commitments and applicable mechanisms.

In this respect, human security encompasses topics like human rights, good governance, the potential for getting access to education and healthcare and a clean environment, the eradication of poverty and the guaranteeing of equal opportunities to individuals so that they may realise their potential. All these are necessary ingredients for a decent and equitable human life.

Brothers and sisters, The issues related to human security are basically universal and are generally shared by all people wherever they are. It is important, therefore, to tackle them in a highly co-ordinated manner and through openness and a positive dialogue that takes into consideration cultural peculiarities and seeks to bridge differences.

I welcome you again. We in the UAE are extremely happy to host this important event so that we may renew our commitment to supporting women's causes as one of the most vital issues in our struggle to achieve comprehensive Arab progress.

We believe that positive dialogue and interaction among different cultures are key instruments for reform, progress and peace.

Thank you again and I wish this conference success, by the grace of God the Almighty. (WAM/TF)