Global Women’s Forum Dubai 2024 Opens With Focus On Women's Empowerment And Gender Balance

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, attended the opening of the Global Women’s Forum Dubai 2024. The event commenced in Dubai with over 6,000 participants, including international figures and ministers. It aims to advance women's empowerment and promote gender balance. H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum were also present.

Sheikh Mohammed welcomed attendees, emphasising the forum's role in fostering discussions on women's empowerment and equal opportunities. He praised global initiatives supporting women and reiterated the UAE's commitment to gender balance under President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan's leadership. His Highness acknowledged H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak's contributions locally and internationally.

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Sheikh Mohammed expressed pride in the UAE's progress in women's empowerment and gender balance. He highlighted the nation's belief in women's potential and its dedication to supporting them across all sectors. Women are seen as equal partners in shaping the future through their talents and contributions.

The opening ceremony was attended by Emine Erdoğan, First Lady of Türkiye; Asifa Bhutto Zardari, First Lady of Pakistan; and Louise Araneta Marcos, First Lady of the Philippines. Also present were H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Saqr Ghobash, ministers, officials, and dignitaries.

H.H. Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum expressed gratitude for UAE leadership support at the forum's launch. She emphasised that global dialogue wouldn't be possible without this encouragement. The UAE leads across sectors with a strong position in advancing gender balance.

Sheikha Manal highlighted the forum's vision driven by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's belief in women's roles in sustainable development. The UAE is committed to impactful international partnerships through this platform for success.

Global Partnerships for Women's Empowerment

Sheikha Manal reaffirmed the UAE's dedication to working with global partners to turn agreements into outcomes empowering women to shape communities' futures. She praised collaboration between the UAE Gender Balance Council and various sectors for swift progress in global competitiveness.

The UAE improved its rank to 7th globally and 1st regionally in the 2024 Gender Equality Index from 11th in 2022 and 49th in 2015.

Keynote Address Highlights

Emine Erdoğan delivered a keynote address highlighting women's empowerment in STEM fields as crucial for gender equality amid rapid technological changes: "As we move rapidly towards an uncertain future, we need a common road map more than ever." She stressed that technologies excluding women cannot lead to a better future.

The First Lady commended Emirati women's achievements under visionary leadership like Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak: "Emirati women are following in the footsteps of a visionary leader who paved the way for them years ago."

Tackling Global Challenges

The First Lady addressed global humanitarian crises noting over a billion people suffer from hunger despite food waste annually: "Each of us has different traditions...we are all on the same ship heading towards a common future." She highlighted displaced individuals' plight seeking refuge mostly in low-income countries.

Mona Ghanem Al Marri emphasised UAE’s leading position due to foundations laid by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan: "The UAE’s leading position...is the result of a strong foundation laid by late Sheikh Zayed." Emirati women have proven themselves worthy representing UAE globally across fields.

Future Prospects for Gender Balance

The UAE moved from empowerment phase to amplifying opportunities across vital sectors under continuous leadership support: "The directives...to establish UAE Gender Balance Council set clear goals positioning among top countries." Thanks to supportive legislation policies achieving top ranks globally regionally becoming reference point legislation.

The forum offers significant opportunity strengthening dialogue building partnerships affirming women’s role achieving prosperity ensuring conditions allow shaping future without barriers challenges.

With inputs from WAM