Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation, has been awarded the prestigious Marisa Bellisario Award, one of Italy’s highest honours recognising exceptional women whose leadership has made a lasting impact across diplomacy, public service, business, science, innovation, culture, and humanitarian work.
The award was presented during the 38th Marisa Bellisario Award ceremony in Rome by Antonio Tajani, Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. The recognition places Al Hashimy among an esteemed group of international leaders celebrated for shaping policy, strengthening global cooperation, and driving meaningful change.
Widely regarded as one of Europe’s most distinguished awards for women’s leadership, the honour also reflects the international recognition of the UAE’s continued commitment to empowering women and promoting inclusive leadership across government and society.
Ahead of the ceremony, Al Hashimy attended a reception hosted by Italian President Sergio Mattarella in honour of this year’s award recipients. The event underscored the significance of the award within Italy’s political and institutional landscape and highlighted the achievements of leaders whose work has delivered both national and global impact.
The recognition comes during a period of expanding cooperation between the UAE and Italy, following President Sergio Mattarella’s State Visit to the UAE in January 2026, which further strengthened the strategic partnership between the two countries.
Throughout her career, Al Hashimy has played a pivotal role in advancing the UAE’s international engagement, leading diplomatic initiatives, and building strategic partnerships that have enhanced the country’s global presence. She also helped lead the successful delivery of Expo 2020 Dubai, a landmark event that brought together nations from around the world and showcased innovation, sustainability, and international collaboration. The Expo’s Women’s Pavilion further highlighted the importance of women’s leadership in shaping the future.
The award also reflects the remarkable progress achieved by Emirati women under the vision of the UAE leadership. From the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan to the continued support of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE has consistently expanded opportunities for women across government, diplomacy, business, science, and innovation.
A key contributor to this progress has been Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the “Mother of the Nation”, whose longstanding efforts have played a central role in advancing women’s participation in national development and leadership.
Accepting the honour, Al Hashimy described the award as a recognition of the achievements of Emirati women and the UAE’s vision of empowering women to contribute to national development and represent the country on the global stage. She also highlighted the importance of dialogue, partnership, and international cooperation in addressing shared global challenges.
She noted that the recognition coincides with Italy’s celebration of the 80th anniversary of the Italian Republic and comes as UAE–Italy relations continue to deepen across trade, investment, sustainability, innovation, education, culture, and regional security.
Previous recipients of the Marisa Bellisario International Award include Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan, former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, Nobel Peace Prize laureates Aung San Suu Kyi and Nadia Murad, placing Al Hashimy among an internationally recognised group of women whose leadership has shaped global affairs.
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