Egypt’s Nada Draz Elected to UN CEDAW Committee in Major Diplomatic Win

Egypt’s diplomatic efforts culminated on Friday in the election of Ambassador Nada Draz to the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) for the 2027–2030 term, following a competitive vote held at UN headquarters in New York.

The result marks a significant achievement for Egyptian diplomacy, reflecting what officials described as growing international confidence in Egypt’s role and standing under President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.

Draz secured the position after a tightly contested election involving 20 candidates, where she finished in second place with 141 votes. The outcome is seen as an indication of broad international support for Egypt’s positions on women’s rights and its ongoing efforts to advance gender equality at the regional and global levels.

Egyptian officials said the campaign for the seat was carried out over several months under presidential directives aimed at strengthening Egypt’s presence in international organizations and supporting qualified national candidates for leadership positions within the UN system.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs played a central role in coordinating the bid, developing an extensive outreach strategy across global capitals in coordination with Egypt’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York.

The campaign highlighted Egypt’s national progress in women’s empowerment, including reforms and initiatives expanding political participation, economic inclusion, and social rights for women.

The ministry expressed appreciation to countries that supported Egypt’s candidacy, reaffirming that Ambassador Draz would work within the CEDAW Committee to enhance its effectiveness and promote a balanced and inclusive approach to women’s rights. This, officials said, includes respecting cultural diversity and national contexts while advancing women’s civil, political, economic, and social rights globally.