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Opening Speech and MODS

Saudi Arabia emphasizes the importance of women's participation in the workforce as essential for societal growth and economic development, highlighting its commitment through the Vision 2030 initiative. The country has made significant strides in increasing women's educational opportunities and workforce participation, while also acknowledging ongoing global challenges such as wage gaps and underrepresentation in leadership. Saudi Arabia advocates for global cooperation to address these issues and promote equal opportunities for women across all sectors.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
14 views

Opening Speech and MODS

Saudi Arabia emphasizes the importance of women's participation in the workforce as essential for societal growth and economic development, highlighting its commitment through the Vision 2030 initiative. The country has made significant strides in increasing women's educational opportunities and workforce participation, while also acknowledging ongoing global challenges such as wage gaps and underrepresentation in leadership. Saudi Arabia advocates for global cooperation to address these issues and promote equal opportunities for women across all sectors.

Uploaded by

kimaya
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Honorable Chair and Esteemed Delegates,

We, as Saudi Arabia, ask—how can any nation reach its full potential if half its population faces
barriers to opportunity?

Saudi Arabia recognizes the essential role that women play in the workforce and is deeply
committed to fostering a more inclusive labor market. Guided by our Vision 2030 initiative, we
have expanded educational opportunities, reformed policies, and created new avenues for
women’s participation in the economy. Today, women are rising to leadership positions and
excelling in sectors that were once out of reach. And let’s be clear—when given the opportunity,
women consistently surpass expectations.

However, we acknowledge that significant challenges persist worldwide. Wage gaps,


underrepresentation in leadership roles, and barriers to employment continue to limit progress.
This issue is not simply about fairness; it is about unlocking the full potential of our societies and
driving sustainable growth. No nation can thrive while leaving half of its population behind.

Saudi Arabia believes that global cooperation and strategic policies are essential to closing
these gaps and achieving lasting progress for all nations.

With that, Saudi Arabia looks forward to working towards practical, impactful solutions that
promote equal opportunities for all. Thank you.

Honorable Chair, Saudi Arabia requests to raise a moderated caucus to discuss_________.


With a speaking time of 60 seconds per speaker.

Below are the 60-second speeches with supporting data for Saudi Arabia, as well as responses
to potential questions from other delegates and questions you can ask them.

MOD 1: Importance of Gender Equality in the Workforce

Speech: "Honorable Chair, esteemed delegates, gender equality in the workforce is a key driver
of economic growth and societal development. According to a McKinsey Global Institute report,
closing gender gaps in labor force participation and productivity could add $28 trillion to the
global GDP by 2025. In Saudi Arabia, we are committed to achieving this through Vision 2030,
which aims to increase women’s workforce participation from 22% to 30% by 2030. Recent
efforts have empowered women to enter various sectors, including the military and business,
which were once male-dominated. However, challenges remain globally, as women continue to
face wage gaps and discrimination. Saudi Arabia advocates for global cooperation to address
these issues, ensuring equal access to opportunities for all."

Possible Questions from Other Delegates:

1.​ What specific actions has Saudi Arabia taken to address the wage gap between men
and women?​

○​ Response: "Saudi Arabia has introduced regulations to ensure equal pay for
equal work in the private sector, and we are actively working on enforcing these
policies. In fact, by 2023, Saudi Arabia is expected to have one of the highest
female employment rates in the region, thanks to these reforms."​

2.​ How does Saudi Arabia plan to expand its policies to include more women in leadership
roles?​

○​ Response: "Under Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia has made leadership programs
more accessible to women, focusing on training and mentorship to prepare them
for positions of power in both public and private sectors."​

3.​ How does Saudi Arabia balance gender equality efforts with cultural traditions?​

○​ Response: "Saudi Arabia’s approach respects our cultural values while fostering
economic inclusion. Vision 2030 reflects a commitment to modernization while
maintaining our cultural heritage, ensuring that women have the opportunity to
succeed within the boundaries of our traditions."​

4.​ What steps is Saudi Arabia taking to eliminate workplace discrimination and
harassment?​

○​ Response: "We have enacted stricter workplace regulations to prevent


discrimination and harassment, and our labor laws are continually evolving to
provide women with better protection against such issues."​

Questions to Ask Other Delegates:

1.​ "How does your country plan to incentivize companies to close the gender pay gap in
both the private and public sectors?"​

2.​ "What actions is your country taking to ensure that women are represented in leadership
positions, particularly in fields like politics and business?"​
MOD 2: Role of Education in Gender Equality in Employment

Speech: "Honorable Chair, education is the cornerstone of gender equality in the workforce. In
Saudi Arabia, we have invested heavily in female education, with women now making up 60%
of university graduates. This is reflected in the increased number of women entering the labor
market, especially in sectors like engineering, healthcare, and technology. However, globally,
women still face limited access to education, particularly in STEM fields. Saudi Arabia
advocates for expanding access to education, particularly in emerging fields like AI and robotics,
where women’s participation remains low. Education not only empowers women but also
unlocks a nation’s full economic potential, making it a vital area of focus for all nations."

Possible Questions from Other Delegates:

1.​ What steps is Saudi Arabia taking to promote women in STEM education?​

○​ Response: "Saudi Arabia has established numerous scholarships and programs


aimed specifically at encouraging women to pursue degrees in STEM fields, and
we continue to partner with universities to increase female enrollment in these
programs."​

2.​ How does Saudi Arabia support women returning to education after career breaks?​

○​ Response: "We offer reskilling programs that are specifically designed for women
who have taken career breaks, helping them reintegrate into the workforce and
access equal opportunities."​

3.​ How can Saudi Arabia ensure that education is accessible to women in rural areas?​

○​ Response: "We are working on improving infrastructure and remote learning


opportunities to make education more accessible to women in rural areas,
including initiatives to provide digital access to education."​

4.​ What is Saudi Arabia’s position on female education in other countries?​

○​ Response: "Saudi Arabia strongly supports initiatives that promote women’s


education globally and has partnered with organizations such as UNESCO to
help increase access to education for girls in developing nations."​

Questions to Ask Other Delegates:

1.​ "What measures has your country implemented to increase women’s participation in
higher education, especially in traditionally male-dominated fields?"​
2.​ "How does your country plan to bridge the gender gap in vocational training and
technical skills development?"​

MOD 3: Wage Gaps Between Men and Women

Speech: "Honorable Chair, the wage gap between men and women is one of the most
persistent issues undermining gender equality. In Saudi Arabia, the wage gap has narrowed
significantly in recent years, with women in the private sector earning 80% of what their male
counterparts make, a marked improvement from previous decades. However, the global
average remains at 77%, with some countries facing even wider gaps. Saudi Arabia’s
government is focused on creating transparency in wage reporting and implementing policies to
hold companies accountable. Globally, it is crucial to enforce anti-discrimination laws, conduct
regular audits, and impose penalties on companies that perpetuate wage disparities."

Possible Questions from Other Delegates:

1.​ How does Saudi Arabia measure the wage gap, and what metrics are used to ensure
fairness?​

○​ Response: "We use a combination of national employment surveys and


transparency in salary data collection to monitor and address wage disparities."​

2.​ What incentives are in place to encourage private sector companies to close the wage
gap?​

○​ Response: "In Saudi Arabia, companies that achieve gender equity in pay can
receive recognition and incentives, including access to government contracts and
funding opportunities."​

3.​ How do you address the wage gap for women in informal sectors?​

○​ Response: "We are working on including women in informal sectors into the
formal economy, providing better regulation and support, to ensure that all
women benefit from equitable pay."​

4.​ What specific measures is Saudi Arabia taking to address wage inequality in
multinational corporations operating in the country?​

○​ Response: "We have implemented regulations requiring multinational companies


to adhere to Saudi labor laws, including those ensuring equal pay for equal work,
and we conduct audits to monitor compliance."​
Questions to Ask Other Delegates:

1.​ "What is your country doing to enforce pay transparency in the private sector?"​

2.​ "How does your country intend to penalize companies that do not comply with equal pay
regulations?"​

MOD 4: Women in Leadership Roles

Speech: "Honorable Chair, despite the progress made in increasing women’s workforce
participation, they remain underrepresented in leadership roles worldwide. In Saudi Arabia, we
have seen notable success, with women now holding positions in government ministries,
corporate boards, and major companies. Under Vision 2030, our goal is to increase women’s
representation in leadership roles across all sectors. The implementation of quotas, mentorship
programs, and leadership training can help accelerate this transition. Globally, it is crucial to
create pathways for women to rise to leadership positions, ensuring that they have equal
opportunities to lead and shape their societies."

Possible Questions from Other Delegates:

1.​ How does Saudi Arabia ensure that leadership opportunities are provided to women in
rural areas?​

○​ Response: "We provide training programs and digital leadership courses that are
accessible to women in rural areas, ensuring that they have the skills to compete
in the leadership space."​

2.​ What kind of mentorship programs does Saudi Arabia offer to women aiming for
leadership roles?​

○​ Response: "Saudi Arabia has established mentorship programs that connect


women with senior leaders in both government and the private sector, enabling
them to gain guidance and insight on career advancement."​

3.​ How does Saudi Arabia balance leadership inclusion with its cultural and religious
practices?​

○​ Response: "Our efforts are aligned with our cultural and religious values,
ensuring that women’s leadership is supported within our societal framework
while also promoting equality."​
4.​ What steps is Saudi Arabia taking to encourage women’s participation in political
leadership?​

○​ Response: "Saudi Arabia has increased the number of women in political


positions, including seats in the Shura Council, and is actively working to provide
training and support for women in politics."​

Questions to Ask Other Delegates:

1.​ "What policies has your country implemented to increase the representation of women in
decision-making positions?"​

2.​ "How does your country ensure that women in leadership roles are given equal
decision-making power compared to their male counterparts?"​

Certainly! Below are six additional Moderated Caucus topics (MODs) along with 60-second
speeches, responses to potential questions, and questions you can ask other delegates.

MOD 5: Access to Financial Resources for Women

Speech: "Honorable Chair, access to financial resources is a critical factor in empowering


women and fostering their participation in the workforce. In Saudi Arabia, women now account
for 32% of entrepreneurs, a significant increase due to initiatives like the Saudi Arabian General
Investment Authority's funding programs for women-led businesses. However, globally, women
still face challenges accessing capital. To address this, Saudi Arabia encourages countries to
implement policies that ensure equitable access to financing, including low-interest loans and
grants for women entrepreneurs, particularly in underserved regions. By supporting women’s
entrepreneurship, we can unlock new avenues for economic growth."

Possible Questions from Other Delegates:

1.​ What specific programs has Saudi Arabia introduced to support women entrepreneurs?​

○​ Response: "Saudi Arabia has launched several initiatives, including the 'Women
Entrepreneurship Fund,' which provides capital and training to women in various
industries, enabling them to scale their businesses."​
2.​ How does Saudi Arabia ensure women have equal access to business loans and
financial services in rural areas?​

○​ Response: "We have implemented mobile banking initiatives and online platforms
that make financial services accessible to women in remote areas, ensuring that
they are not left behind."​

3.​ What has Saudi Arabia done to address gender bias in lending practices?​

○​ Response: "We have enacted laws requiring banks to adopt gender-neutral


lending practices and provide targeted support for women-led businesses,
making access to capital more equitable."​

4.​ How do you plan to support women in traditionally male-dominated sectors, such as oil
and gas?​

○​ Response: "We have introduced policies to ensure that women in


male-dominated sectors have access to training and financing, which can help
them become competitive in these industries."​

Questions to Ask Other Delegates:

1.​ "What measures has your country taken to ensure women have equal access to
business funding and resources?"​

2.​ "How does your country plan to address the challenges women face in obtaining venture
capital or other forms of investment?"​

MOD 6: Access to Healthcare for Working Women

Speech: "Honorable Chair, access to healthcare is fundamental for a productive workforce. In


Saudi Arabia, women’s health has become a priority, with initiatives aimed at providing
affordable healthcare to working women. Through Vision 2030, we are expanding healthcare
services that cater to women’s unique needs, including maternity care and mental health
services. Yet globally, many working women lack access to healthcare that supports their
well-being. We urge nations to implement policies that guarantee accessible, affordable
healthcare for women, ensuring that their physical and mental health needs are met so they can
contribute fully to the workforce."

Possible Questions from Other Delegates:


1.​ What steps has Saudi Arabia taken to provide maternal healthcare for women in the
workforce?​

○​ Response: "Saudi Arabia has implemented paid maternity leave, increased


access to prenatal and postnatal care, and is expanding workplace healthcare
options for women."​

2.​ How does Saudi Arabia address mental health issues for working women?​

○​ Response: "We are working on integrating mental health support into workplace
healthcare packages and raising awareness about mental health challenges that
women face."​

3.​ What is Saudi Arabia's approach to affordable healthcare for women in rural areas?​

○​ Response: "We are expanding healthcare infrastructure in rural areas and have
implemented telemedicine services to ensure women in remote locations can
access care."​

4.​ How is Saudi Arabia ensuring that healthcare policies are inclusive of all women,
regardless of their socioeconomic status?​

○​ Response: "We have introduced subsidized healthcare programs and expanded


insurance coverage to ensure that women from all backgrounds can access
necessary healthcare services."​

Questions to Ask Other Delegates:

1.​ "How does your country ensure that working women have access to healthcare that
meets their specific needs?"​

2.​ "What steps has your country taken to integrate mental health support into workplace
wellness programs?"​

MOD 7: Family Support Policies for Working Women

Speech: "Honorable Chair, family support policies are critical to ensuring that women can
balance work and home life effectively. In Saudi Arabia, we are committed to supporting working
women through expanded parental leave, affordable childcare, and flexible work options. Vision
2030 has introduced reforms that extend parental leave for both men and women, providing
greater support for families. Globally, many countries still lack comprehensive family support
policies. We encourage nations to implement family-friendly policies such as subsidized
childcare, extended parental leave, and flexible work arrangements to ensure that women can
thrive both at home and in the workplace."

Possible Questions from Other Delegates:

1.​ How does Saudi Arabia ensure that family support policies are accessible to women in
both public and private sectors?​

○​ Response: "Saudi Arabia has made it mandatory for both public and private
sector employers to provide family support benefits, including paid parental leave
and childcare subsidies."​

2.​ What is Saudi Arabia’s approach to ensuring equal parental leave for both men and
women?​

○​ Response: "We have introduced policies that offer equal parental leave for both
mothers and fathers, ensuring that childcare responsibilities are shared equally."​

3.​ How do you ensure that women in remote areas have access to family support services?​

○​ Response: "We are expanding digital platforms for childcare services and offering
mobile family support units to reach women in rural areas."​

4.​ What role does the government play in providing affordable childcare in Saudi Arabia?​

○​ Response: "The government provides subsidies to both private and public sector
childcare centers, making it more affordable for working parents."​

Questions to Ask Other Delegates:

1.​ "What family support policies does your country have in place to help women balance
their work and home life?"​

2.​ "How does your country ensure that parental leave is taken by both parents to
encourage shared responsibility for childcare?"​

MOD 8: Gender Stereotypes and Societal Expectations

Speech: "Honorable Chair, gender stereotypes and societal expectations continue to hinder
women’s participation in the workforce. In Saudi Arabia, we are working to challenge these
stereotypes by promoting positive portrayals of women in leadership, business, and STEM
fields. We have launched media campaigns and incorporated gender sensitivity training into
school curricula to address these issues from a young age. However, globally, women still face
significant societal pressure to conform to traditional gender roles. We call for international
efforts to challenge these stereotypes, promoting a culture of equality and encouraging women
to pursue careers and leadership roles without fear of discrimination."

Possible Questions from Other Delegates:

1.​ How does Saudi Arabia plan to change societal views about women in leadership roles?​

○​ Response: "We are focusing on education and media campaigns to shift societal
perspectives, showcasing successful women in various sectors and promoting
female role models."​

2.​ What role does education play in combating gender stereotypes in Saudi Arabia?​

○​ Response: "We have integrated gender equality and gender sensitivity into the
educational curriculum to challenge stereotypes early on and foster a more
inclusive environment."​

3.​ What specific policies has Saudi Arabia introduced to combat gender bias in the
workplace?​

○​ Response: "We have enacted laws that mandate gender equality in hiring and
promotion practices, ensuring that women are given equal opportunities to
advance."​

4.​ How does Saudi Arabia address the challenges faced by women who want to pursue
non-traditional careers?​

○​ Response: "We provide mentorship and career guidance programs that


encourage women to explore non-traditional roles, particularly in sectors like
engineering and technology."​

Questions to Ask Other Delegates:

1.​ "How does your country combat gender stereotypes in the media and workplace?"​

2.​ "What initiatives has your country introduced to encourage women in pursuing careers in
fields that are traditionally male-dominated?"​
MOD 9: International Cooperation on Gender Equality

Speech: "Honorable Chair, international cooperation is crucial to achieving global gender


equality. Saudi Arabia has been an active participant in initiatives led by the United Nations and
regional organizations to promote gender equality. Through partnerships with UN Women and
the ILO, we have supported programs that empower women in developing nations. We also
advocate for regular international summits to share best practices and strategies for gender
equality. It is only through collaborative efforts that we can ensure women across the world are
given the same opportunities to succeed in the workforce."

Possible Questions from Other Delegates:

1.​ How does Saudi Arabia collaborate with international organizations to advance gender
equality?​

○​ Response: "We collaborate through funding, sharing best practices, and


providing technical assistance to initiatives that support women’s empowerment
globally."​

2.​ How does Saudi Arabia plan to support other nations in addressing gender equality
issues in the workplace?​

○​ Response: "We offer financial and technical support to gender equality programs
in developing countries and encourage cross-border cooperation through
international frameworks."​

3.​ What role do regional partnerships play in Saudi Arabia’s approach to gender equality?​

○​ Response: "Regional partnerships are key, as they allow us to tailor solutions to


specific cultural contexts while sharing common goals for improving women’s
economic participation."​

4.​ What steps is Saudi Arabia taking to promote gender equality in countries with significant
cultural and legal barriers?​

○​ Response: "We focus on providing educational resources and fostering dialogue


on gender equality to encourage gradual legal reforms that respect cultural
values while promoting women’s rights."​

Questions to Ask Other Delegates:

1.​ "What is your country’s position on international efforts to provide financial support for
gender equality programs?"​
2.​ "How does your country plan to promote collaboration among international organizations
to address gender inequality in the workforce?"​

Saudi Arabia’s Current Status on Women’s Workforce Participation (2025)

1.​ Vision 2030 Goals:​

○​ Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 aims to increase women's participation in the


workforce from 22% in 2019 to 30% by 2030.​

○​ Key initiatives: Breaking barriers to employment, improving education access,


fostering entrepreneurship.​

2.​ Legal and Policy Reforms:​

○​ 2019: Women granted the right to drive.​

○​ 2020: Women no longer need male guardian consent to travel, work, or make
legal decisions.​

○​ Labor Market: Introduction of a law prohibiting gender discrimination in the


workplace.​

3.​ Education:​

○​ 57% of university graduates are women in Saudi Arabia (2025).​

○​ However, women are still underrepresented in fields like STEM, engineering,


and construction.​

4.​ Female Workforce Participation:​

○​ Women’s labor force participation is increasing, but still below 25% (2025).​

○​ Challenges: Women are still concentrated in traditionally lower-paying sectors


such as education, health, and retail.​

○​ The target is 30% female participation in the workforce by 2030.​


5.​ Entrepreneurship:​

○​ Women now own 30% of all small and medium businesses (2025).​

○​ Government initiatives provide microfinancing and training programs for


women entrepreneurs.​

■​ Key organizations: Saudi Industrial Development Fund (SIDF) and


King Khalid Foundation actively support female entrepreneurs.​

Key Actions Taken by Saudi Arabia (2025)

1.​ Policy Changes:​

○​ The Saudi Arabian Government has introduced policies to encourage female


participation in high-demand sectors like technology and business.​

○​ Women’s Entrepreneurship Initiative: Government grants and incentives for


women-led startups, including through Saudi Aramco’s entrepreneurship
programs and the Misk Foundation.​

2.​ Workplace Equality Reforms:​

○​ Private Sector Participation Program: Initiatives to increase women’s


representation in sectors like finance, healthcare, and construction.​

■​ Companies like Saudi Aramco, SABIC, and Almarai have implemented


initiatives to promote gender equality in hiring and leadership.​

○​ Equality in Pay and Employment: Saudi Arabia has enacted laws requiring
equal pay for equal work across sectors, as seen in Aramco’s commitment to
gender diversity and equality.​

3.​ Support for Women in Leadership:​

○​ Women in Leadership Program: This initiative ensures women’s inclusion in


leadership roles, supported by entities like Misk Foundation and The Saudi
Ministry of Labor.​
○​ Current Representation: Women now make up 20% of senior leadership
positions in key companies such as SABIC, STC, and Alinma Bank (2025).​

Key Data and Statistics

1.​ Labor Force:​

○​ Women in the workforce: 22% in 2019, with a target of 30% by 2030.​

○​ Women hold only 2.8% of CEO positions in Saudi Arabia (2025).​

○​ Women’s participation in STEM education: less than 10% of students in STEM


fields are women.​

2.​ Education:​

○​ 57% of university graduates in Saudi Arabia are women.​

○​ Women are the majority of graduates in medicine, social sciences, and


business.​

○​ Underrepresentation in STEM fields and leadership roles continues to be a


challenge.​

3.​ Workplace Gaps:​

○​ The gender pay gap: 50% disparity in pay in certain industries.​

○​ Social norms and gender biases continue to hinder women’s access to


higher-paying sectors.​

4.​ Economic Impact:​

○​ Saudi women contribute to 10-15% of Saudi Arabia’s GDP as of 2025, a


significant increase from 5% in 2018.​

International Relations and Global Impact


1.​ Global Gender Equality Index:​

○​ Saudi Arabia ranks 118th globally in gender equality (2025).​

○​ The country has shown steady improvement in education, health, and economic
participation over recent years.​

2.​ Global Cooperation:​

○​ Saudi Arabia is part of international initiatives such as UN Women and


CEDAW (Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against
Women) to address gender equality worldwide.​

○​ In 2025, the country works closely with international organizations to improve


gender equity in the workforce.​

Challenges Remaining (2025)

●​ Cultural Norms: Despite progress, traditional gender roles still influence employment
patterns, particularly in rural areas.​

●​ Leadership Gaps: Only 2.8% of CEOs are women, and there is a significant
underrepresentation of women in top leadership roles.​

●​ Wage Disparities: Women still earn 50% less than men in certain sectors, indicating a
need for stronger enforcement of equal pay laws.

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