UN picks Saudi Arabia to lead women’s rights forum despite ‘abysmal’ record
GuardianMar 27
Saudi Arabia to Lead UN Women’s Rights Forum in 2025
The Facts
The United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) has unanimously elected the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to chair the organization's 69th session in 2025.
The CSW is a "functional commission" of the UN's Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) established in 1946. UN Women describes the body as "dedicated to the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of women."
The Spin
Narrative A
A product of an international lobbying and public relations scheme, Saudi Arabia's appointment as chair of the CSW is both comically ironic and deeply concerning. Saudi Arabia has no right to hold any influence over such an important international body — it's a travesty that a country with such a poor domestic record has walked uncontested into leadership over the UN strategy concerning gender equality.
Narrative B
Saudi Arabia's first-ever appointment as chair of the world's leading committee on women's rights is a testament to the country's impressive progress towards equality. Saudi Arabia will continue to champion equality and empowerment for women, encouraging greater participation at all levels of society. Riyadh will lead this important posting with due diligence and conscientiousness.
Nerd narrative
There's a 50% chance that Mohammed bin Salman will become the king of Saudi Arabia by November 2026, according to the Metaculus prediction community.