The works of the third congress of the Arab women organization (AWO), will kick start on Thursday in Tunis on the theme: ‘‘Arab Women: An Essential Partner in Sustainable Development'' under the presidency of Mrs. Leila Ben Ali, spouse of the President of The Republic and AWO's Chairwoman. First Ladies of AWO member countries or their representatives, as well as a high level delegation of the Arab League of Nations, representatives of organisations, international and regional agencies and NGO's of AWO member countries, will take part in the Congress. The theme of the Congress was adopted during the fourth meeting of AWO's Supreme Council held in June, 2009, in Tunis, following the initiative of Tunisia's First Lady. This theme is of crucial importance as it lies at the core of the interaction of Arab societies with current global changes and the issue of sustainable development. The Congress will include seven main sessions. Day one will be marked by the presentation of a paper on the concept of sustainable development and its educational, cultural and economic dimensions in relation with women. Day two will tackle the environmental, sanitary and social dimensions of sustainable development, as well as women participation in political and public life. Day three will be dedicated to the issue of : ‘‘Women and Armed Conflicts: What Kind of Sustainable Development...?'', as well as youth participation in political life. Finally, a round table will also be held on the elaboration of an Arab joint vision of sustainable development. There is no doubt that the recommendations stemming from this major Arab event will be a new milestone that will add up to AWO's achievements. AWO's first Congress was held in 2006 in Bahrain to examine the challenges facing Arab women. AWO's second Congress, which was held in Abu Dhabi in November 2008, tackled the issue ‘‘Women and the Concept of the Security of the Individual: Arab and International Dimensions.''
