Tokyo Gov Praises Saudi Arabia's Strides in Women's Empowerment:

• Yuriko Koike, the governor of Tokyo, recognized "significant changes" in Saudi Arabia's progress on women's rights
• Her comments draw attention to Saudi Arabia's continuous reforms that are meant to empower women

Speaking at Fortune Magazine's Most Powerful Women International Summit in Riyadh, Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike commended Saudi Arabia's significant advancements in women's empowerment, drawing a comparison with her previous visits to the Kingdom. She credited Saudi Vision 2030 with bringing about the change, claiming that it has made society more inclusive for all individuals, including women, men, children, and those with disabilities.

Yuriko, who has made three previous trips to Riyadh, said she is grateful for the newfound freedoms Saudi women now enjoy, including the freedom to drive and travel on their own. In her third term as the first elected governor of Tokyo, she has made it clear that she is committed to assisting women in achieving their goals.

Free childcare, tuition, and school lunches are among her top priorities. She also emphasized that the push for women's advancement should be universal, affecting both rural and urban areas equally. She said, "It's a shared agenda — essential for industry, education, and economic vitality."

She started a global network for female mayors and governors after winning the election, but it only had 39 members at first. "If you don't buy a lottery ticket, you won't win," she said, encouraging women to speak up now rather than waiting for appointments or elections. Yuriko urged women to take on challenges and boldly pursue their goals, acknowledging the unpredictability of the current global environment.

With the theme "A New Era for Business: Partnering for Global Prosperity," the summit also included Farah Ismail (Deputy Minister, Saudi Ministry of Economy and Planning), Prof. Hanan Abdulraheem Alahmadi (Assistant Speaker, Saudi Shura Council), and Dr. Obiageli "Oby" Ezekwesili (former Education Minister of Nigeria).