On December 12, 2024, Ambit Advisory proudly inaugurated the Arab Women Network in CBRN Security (AWN-CBRNS). This initiative aims to empower women in the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) security fields.
The inaugural meeting brought together women from ten countries across the Middle East and North Africa, who shared insights into their activities and initiatives aimed at enhancing CBRN security throughout the region. Participants engaged in discussions regarding the network's vision, mission, and organizational structure, which will be led by Ambit’s Co-founder and COO.
During the event, Ambit presented a draft of its Regional Guidelines on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in the Biological Sector, a project supported by the Government of Canada. These guidelines aim to raise awareness of the valuable contributions of women in the biological field and propose region-specific policies and measures to address related challenges. Once finalized, the guidelines will be shared with relevant stakeholders and organizations across the region.
The meeting also featured contributions from international experts, including representatives from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Notably, the opening remarks were delivered by the IAEA’s Deputy Director General for Nuclear Sciences and Applications. The establishment of the network would not have been possible without the support of our collaborating partner the Middlebury Institute for International Studies’ James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies and the generous support from the US Department of Energy National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)’s Office of Radiological Security. The inaugural meeting was convened at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Cyprus Centre for Land, Open Seas and Port Security (CYCLOPS) in Larnaca, Cyprus.
Established earlier this year, AWN-CBRNS serves as a regional professional network dedicated to advancing women's roles in CBRN security. The network's mission is to connect, support, and empower women across various disciplines, uniting professionals from national governments, industry, civil society, and academia throughout Arab countries in the Middle East.