Give Saudi Arabia a chance to prove itself as chair of UN Women’s Rights Forum

As I have told political and corporate clients in the past (of which the Saudis are not one, nor do I have any relationship with anyone doing business with the Kingdom): “Deal with the reality directly in front of you. Address the ‘dream’ or ‘hope’ after you come to terms with the reality.” 

For a politician, the “dream” is usually: “But I’m dramatically better for the people than my opponent.” Except … the reality is your opponent is 30 points ahead of you in the polls. Deal with the “why” first. For corporations, it’s usually: “Our product is infinitely better than our competitors.” Except … your competitor is outselling you 100 to one. Why?

For some in the media and certain organizations, it can be: “Country A is truly evil and must be shunned.” Except … Country B dwarfs Country A in human rights violations. Why ignore or play down the violations of Country B?

For the sake of this exercise, let’s say that Country A is Saudi Arabia and Country B is the People’s Republic of China. Saudi Arabia is once again in the news and being attacked by many, mostly on the left.

Why? This past Wednesday, Saudi Arabia was appointed chair of the United Nations’ top forum for women’s rights and gender equality. One of the groups crying out against this selection was Human Rights Watch, which declared that the election showed a “shocking disregard for women’s rights everywhere.” 

In a number of ways, this move be seen as a “Nixon going to China” moment. For years, the Kingdom has been accused of human rights and women’s and gender equality rights violations. It can now prove itself the perfect test case over the coming year.

For those who oppose the Kingdom no matter the progress they make in these areas, I go back to “dealing with the reality in front of you.” Regardless of if certain people or organizations strongly dislike Saudi Arabia, it is becoming one of the most influential nations in the world. That is simply a fact. 

As I asked on this site last year, what does Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman see that others are missing when it comes to the positioning and security of his nation? Again, like it or not, the absolute reality is that the voice of the 38-year-old crown prince is one that more and more national and corporate leaders are turning to, because they now view Saudi Arabia — with the world’s fastest growing large economy — as a global powerhouse. Much of that is based upon the reforms the crown prince has already instituted.

Anyone paying the slightest bit of attention to the Middle East will quickly realize that the last thing the Kingdom wants is war, turmoil or controversy. All of those issues distract from — or greatly harm — the “2030 Vision” conceived by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The three main pillars of the vision are: “a vibrant society; a thriving economy; and an ambitious nation.” This vision also seeks to expand the rights of women, so much so that its official site showcases a woman outlining a mathematical equation.

For those screaming out against Saudi Arabia being appointed chair of the United Nations’ top forum for women’s rights and gender equality, I suggest they reach out to the Kingdom’s ambassador to the United States. That would be Her Royal Highness Princess Reema Bandar al-Saud — the first female Saudi ambassador to the United States.

Many have rightfully decried the lack of female leaders in the world. I would argue that in Princess Reema, they have one of the most impressive and capable leaders in the world, male or female. But, because of the prism of prejudice that many view the Kingdom through, she is often overlooked or deliberately ignored. 

Going back to reality, prior to her being appointed ambassador to the U.S., Princess Reema had an extensive background working to promote female and gender rights within the Kingdom. She was an integral part of the Saudi General Sports Authority and worked continually to promote women in sports in the Kingdom through initiatives focused on inclusion and encouraging more active lifestyles. Additionally, she worked hand in hand with the Ministry of Education to ensure physical education for girls in schools and championed a gender-integrated team to the Special Olympics.

This past January, the Washington Post ran a column by Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova objecting to Saudi Arabia hosting the Women’s Tennis Association finals. In a statement delivered on X, the Princess pushed back strongly. She argued, in part:

"As a woman who has dedicated her life to the cause of women, it pained me deeply to read a column in The Washington Post objecting to Saudi Arabia hosting the Women’s Tennis Association finals based on arguments that are outdated stereotypes and western-centric views of our culture. Failing to acknowledge the great progress women have made in Saudi Arabia denigrates our remarkable journey … today, Saudi women own more than 300,000 businesses, and roughly 23 percent of small and mid-size start-up companies, which is about the same percentage in the United States … while there is still work to be done, the recent progress for women, the engagement of women in the workforce, and the social and cultural opportunities being created for women are truly profound and should not be overlooked."

The reality is that Saudi Arabia — via the voice of the crown prince — is now one of the most influential nations on earth. Given past criticisms coupled with that current reality, it may be the perfect country to lead the forum. Assess their intentions and progress after their year in that position.

Douglas MacKinnon, a political and communications consultant, was a writer in the White House for Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush, and former special assistant for policy and communications at the Pentagon during the last three years of the Bush administration.