Global Women’s Forum 2024 In Dubai Focuses On Women's Empowerment And Gender Balance Initiatives

H.H. Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Gender Balance Council and Dubai Women Establishment, expressed gratitude to the UAE's leadership for its unwavering support for women. She highlighted the nation's commitment to enhancing women's roles in development and future-building efforts.

The Global Women's Forum is set to hold its third edition in Dubai, continuing its mission from eight years ago. The forum aims to boost international efforts in women's empowerment and gender balance. This reflects the UAE's notable achievements in global competitiveness indicators, showcasing its dedication to reaching excellence by empowering women.

H.H. Sheikha Manal emphasised that the UAE's progressive leadership has placed it among global leaders in gender balance and women's empowerment indices. The country ranks first regionally and seventh globally in the 2024 Gender Equality Index by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The UAE is committed to supporting international efforts to empower women across all sectors through influential global partnerships.

Mona Al Marri announced that the Forum will focus on three thematic pillars: "Future Economies, Future Societies," "Collective Engagements, Collective Actions," and "Impactful Technologies, Impactful Innovations." These themes will explore women's roles in economic development, strategies for increasing participation, and technology's role in future growth.

The Dubai Women Establishment unveiled an impressive agenda for the Global Women's Forum – Dubai 2024. Under H.H. Sheikha Manal's vision, sessions will explore various aspects of women's roles in society. The event will occur on November 26-27 at Madinat Jumeirah under His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's patronage.

Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Chairperson of Dubai Women Establishment, discussed event details with key partners like Khawla Rashid Al Muhairi from DEWA, Hala Badri from Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, Moaza Al Marri from RTA, and Amira Al Falasi from Emirates Group. They highlighted the significance of this event.

Global Collaborations

Mona Al Marri revealed global partners for the Forum include World Bank Group, OECD, UNDP, World Economic Forum, Atlantic Council, UN Office for Humanitarian Affairs, Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative, and International Finance Corporation. These organisations will host workshops on women's economic empowerment and gender balance.

Local partners include DEWA, RTA, Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, Emirates Airlines, ADNOC, Emirates Global Aluminium, e&, Cartier Women's Initiative, and Mediclinic Middle East. Media partners feature Dubai Media Incorporated, Abu Dhabi Media, Arabian Radio Network (ARN), Sky News Arabia among others.

Diverse Participation

The Forum will welcome attendees from around 65 countries with over 130 sessions led by more than 250 speakers including regional and global ministers. Prominent youth figures and entrepreneurs will also participate. Sessions will feature H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum discussing cultural diplomacy's role in creative societies.

In another session, H.H. Sheikha Hissa bint Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum will share her experiences in equestrianism. Keynote speakers include Emine Erdoğan of Türkiye and Saida Mirziyoyeva of Uzbekistan who will contribute to insightful discussions at Arena Hall.

The Forum serves as a platform for knowledge exchange while highlighting successful initiatives supported by the UAE to promote gender balance. It underscores efforts to empower women both personally and professionally within society.

With inputs from WAM