Celebrating Women’s Transformative Roles in Global Peace and Development
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5 emphasizes achieving gender equality as a crucial foundation for building a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable world. Advancing the role of women is critical across all sectors of society, contributing to the reduction of poverty, the promotion of health and education, and ensuring the protection and well-being of our global community.
Women deliver unique perspectives and leadership styles that broaden the scope of challenges addressed in diplomacy today. Their diverse experiences and priorities are vital in navigating the intricate social, political, and economic landscapes of the modern world. As we strive to establish lasting peace and sustainable development, recognizing and appreciating the immense value that women bring to diplomatic efforts is more important than ever.
In Saudi Arabia, a nation embracing transformative changes and greater inclusivity, it is heartening to celebrate six exemplary female diplomats who are making significant strides on the global stage.
Alongside them, the dedicated Dean of Diplomatic Corps and Ambassador of the Republic of Djibouti, H.E. Dya-Eddine Said Bamakhrama joins in sending warm greetings and wishes for Ramadan. Together, they embody a collaborative spirit of strength, wisdom, and compassion that inspires positive change worldwide. By acknowledging and supporting their contributions, we take a significant step forward in ensuring that diverse voices continue to shape the discourse and solutions vital for a thriving global society.
DEAN OF DIPLOMATIC CORPS
Ambassador Dya-Eddine Said Bamakhrama
Embassy of Djibouti
“Ramadan is a time for self-reflection, sharing experiences, and making a valuable contribution every day through acts of service and giving back to the communities in which we live. The values of Ramadan remind us of the principles of mutual understanding, righteousness, improvement, gratitude for what we have, and prayers and support for those less fortunate. On behalf of embassies represented in the Diplomatic Quarter of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, I, as the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Ambassador of Djibouti, will celebrate this month as an exceptional opportunity to shape the future of diplomacy in the spirit of equality and empowerment. At this sacred time of year, as I share Iftar meals with heads of mission, diplomats, fellow ambassadors, entrepreneurs, academics, spiritual leaders, and the public, I envision paving the way for a new chapter of mutual respect and cooperation within and beyond the Diplomatic Quarter and Saudi Arabia. At this special time of year, my fellow ambassadors and I wish that your prayers are answered and bring you peace, joy, and harmony, which can be achieved through selflessness, goodwill, and mercy. During my meeting with HRH the Emir of Riyadh Region, Prince Faisal bin Bandar, as well as HRH the Vice Emir, Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman, I also congratulated the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, as well as the Government of Saudi Arabia, the safest place to stay during Ramadan and beyond. Ramadan Kareem.”
Ambassador Liselotte Kjærsgaard Plesner
Embassy of Denmark
“I would like to extend my warmest greetings and heartfelt wishes to my friends on the occasion of the holy month of Ramadan. I have done road trips north, south, east and west in the KSA, as well as to Kuwait and Bahrain; thousands of kilometers on the extensive road network. My last road trip went to the stunning region of Asir where the beauty of nature and culture as well as the warm hospitality took my breath away. The Vision 2030 led transformation of KSA is out there for all of us to witness in the capital, but I sense that this transformation also encompasses rural areas and small towns. From my friends, I have learned that the spirit of Ramadan revolves around self-reflection, discipline, compassion, and the importance of kindness, generosity, and understanding. I wish everyone that celebrates a Ramadan filled with joy, good health, and spiritual achievements. Ramadan Kareem!”
Ambassador Anu-Eerika Viljanen
Embassy of Finland
“Ramadan is a month of reflection, mercy and hope for Muslims around the world. As the Ambassador posted in Riyadh, it is an incredible honor to be part of this global celebration in the midst of it. I believe this is a great opportunity to introduce us to the traditions and customs of Ramadan and to promote friendship and understanding between peoples and communities. I am truly grateful that the joy of Ramadan is being shared so openly with non-Muslims here in Saudi Arabia. Let us seize this opportunity once again in the coming Ramadan to spread love, kindness and blessings to all and make this Ramadan a truly meaningful and inclusive experience for all. I look forward to many Iftars together, filled with togetherness and connection. I wish you and your loved ones a Ramadan filled with joy, harmony and countless blessings. Ramadan Mubarak to all Saudis and all those celebrating Ramadan.”
Ambassador Safia Taleb Al Souhail
Embassy of Republic of Iraq
“On the occasion of the blessed month of Ramadan, the month of mercy and forgiveness, it is with great pleasure that I extend my warmest congratulations and best wishes to the diplomatic corps in Riyadh and the dear Saudi people. I pray that this month brings health, happiness, and blessings to all. Ramadan is not only a time for worship and devotion, but it also provides an excellent opportunity to foster cultural relations between countries, enhancing cross-cultural dialogue. These initiatives reflect the values of cooperation and solidarity between nations, with everyone sharing food and exchanging greetings, further strengthening ties among various cultures and communities. During this blessed month, we hope these human connections continue to grow, and that Ramadan remains a symbol of global peace and solidarity between all peoples. Wishing you all a blessed Ramadan and a year filled with peace and prosperity.”
Ambassador Kjersti Tromsdal
Embassy of Norway
“On behalf of myself and all the employees at the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Riyadh, I would like to express my heartfelt wishes and greetings to all our Muslims friends in Saudi Arabia for a blessed and peaceful holy month of Ramadan. This will be my first Ramadan as the Norwegian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia and I look forward to experiencing and learning about the many traditions Muslims use to mark this sacred month. I also hope to share in the proud tradition of Saudi hospitality by hosting and participating in Iftars with new Saudi friends throughout the coming month, knowing how important time it is to reflect and count our blessings. May the light of Ramadan shine in your homes, bringing happiness and prosperity and may your fasts be easy and your prayers answered. Ramadan Mubarak to you and your families.”
Ambassador Petra Menander
Embassy of Sweden
“On behalf of the whole team at the Embassy of Sweden in Riyadh, I extend my warmest wishes for everyone in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the blessed month of Ramadan. May this month bring peace and prosperity to all. This will be my third Ramadan in Riyadh and I look forward to this time of reflection as well as the warmth from joining in celebrations with people from all walks of life. “
Ambassador Yasmine Chatila Zwahlen
Embassy of Switzerland
“I extend my warmest wishes to the leadership and the friendly people of Saudi Arabia. Ramadan is a time for reflection, compassion, and deepening of bonds of friendship and solidarity – values that resonate with the strong friendship between our nations. Switzerland and Saudi Arabia have long enjoyed a partnership founded on mutual respect and collaboration. During Ramadan, we are reminded of the importance of charity and solidarity, values that I hold dear as Ambassador of Switzerland. From supporting humanitarian initiatives, to collaborating on peace, education, or culture, we aim to do good together. On the personal level, celebrating the month of Ramadan in Saudi Arabia is a joy, not only because of the festive Iftars and Suhoors, but especially because my Saudi friends and partners let me partake in their strong expression of gratitude and grace! May this Ramadan bring you and your family the light of health. May this Ramadan bring you and your family the light of health, the sparkle of happiness and the rays of hope. Blessings to all, Ramadan Mubarak!”
