On October 28-30, 2010, Tunisia will host the Third Conference of the Arab Women Organisation (AWO) on the theme of : “Arab Women: An Essential Partner in Sustainable Development.” Thanks to President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali's clear-sighted choices, Tunisia has become a pioneering country that continually supports sound initiatives and purposeful efforts to enhance joint Arab action. Tunisia has invariably adhered to its vision vis-à-vis women, considering them as human beings with full rights and dignity, and as partners to men in the process of meeting challenges. The Conference theme, which was proposed by Mrs. Leila Ben Ali, First Lady of Tunisia and Chairwoman of the Arab Women Organization, addresses the importance of effective partnership for achieving the hoped-for status of women in family and society. Sustainable development, on the other hand, materialises the wide prospects of the development action in which women, with their innovative skills and creative capacities, are fully involved as full-fledged partners in terms of rights and duties. Tunisia's First Lady asserts that Tunisia is keen on ensuring the success of the Third AWO Conference, a landmark event designed to enhance joint Arab action for advancing women and promoting their conditions. This objective rests upon a strong and unwavering determination to make sure Arab countries elevate the issues of equity and equal opportunities to the level of a civilizational challenge; thereby materializing the modernist societal choice embraced by Arab peoples. Tunisia, which has always been keen on enhancing the status of women and promoting their roles at all levels, in family and in society as well as in political and public life, hopes the Third AWO Conference will come out with a joint Arab vision that enhances women's contribution to, and fosters their role in, the process of achieving sustainable development, progress and modernization in a changing world. Tunisia is indeed proud to welcome Their Highnesses, Majesties and Excellencies, along with the prominent experts in Arab women's issues, wishing all success to this Conference for the well-being and invulnerability of Arab nations.
