Global Women’s Forum Dubai will feature plenary sessions and keynote speeches, as well as The Discovery - the signature creativity space at the heart of Women’s Forum for the Economy & Society meetings. Five main plenary sessions will take place during two days, exploring a range of topics, such as breakthrough moments in work and life; the place of women and innovative thinking in tomorrow's cities; looking beyond the stereotypes of women in the Middle East; and how to create lasting social impact.
The Discovery, which provides a unique opportunity for delegates to meet, share, learn and be inspired through interactive sessions and workshops, will build on the topics explored throughout the main plenary sessions of the Forum, through a range of creative hubs hosted by Global Women’s Forum Dubai partners.
The Main Partner of Global Women’s Forum Dubai, DEWA, will host the Energy hub, while Strategic Partners, Dubai Holding and du, will lead the Women on Boards hub and Social Impact hub, respectively. The Strategic Media Partner, Dubai Media Incorporated, will host the Women in Media hub. And the Leading Partner, Cartier, will celebrate 10 years of supporting women entrepreneurs with the Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards, in the Entrepreneurship hub. The Official Carrier of GWFD is Emirates Airline.
Global Women’s Forum Dubai, co-organised by the Dubai Women Establishment and Women’s Forum for the Economy & Society , brings together leaders from around the world – women and men – representing business, government, academia as well as art and culture. The event will highlight new perspectives for today and tomorrow, creating a powerful, global network capable of boosting the influence of women throughout the world, conceiving innovative and concrete action plans to encourage women’s contribution to society, and promoting diversity in the business world.
Shamsa Saleh, CEO of Dubai Women Establishment (DWE) said: “Global Women’s Forum Dubai is an incredibly significant event – not just for the emirate of Dubai or even the United Arab Emirates as a nation. It will serve as a crucial platform for the Arab world as a whole, to showcase the capabilities and achievements of the strong, talented and innovative women we have here in this region, and to serve as a catalyst for real change; the changing of perceptions and misleading stereotypes surrounding Arab women, the realisation of measurable outcomes in driving female engagement and participation in the business world, the improvement of gender balance and the enhancement of women’s contribution to socio-economic growth, regionally and on a global level.”
She continued: “It is with great pride that Dubai Women Establishment and the Women’s Forum for the Economy & Society bring this event to Dubai, the UAE and the MENA region for the first time, and I’d like to thank our sponsors for helping to make this prestigious, global event possible.”
Khawla Al Mehairi, Vice President of Marketing and Corporate Communications at Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), said: "I am glad to be here with you today to announce Dubai Electricity and Water Authority’s (DEWA) participation in the first Global Women’s Forum Dubai, which will be held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai and led by Her Highness Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, wife of HH Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs of the UAE ,President of the UAE Gender Balance Council, President of Dubai Women Establishment. This is the first time that an international forum of this nature is being held in the region. This event will throw the spotlight on our great appreciation and care for the UAE’s women, thanks to the support of our government. Dubai’s hosting of the forum also reflects Dubai as a prime location for international conferences."
She continued, "I am honoured that DEWA has been chosen as the main partner for this forum, which is built around the theme of ‘Let’s Innovate’ .The forum will give us the opportunity to showcase the importance of our country’s women, their contributions and the large role they play in the development and prosperity of our community. The Global Women’s Forum Dubai will also focus on the important roles women play on an international level. The agenda for the Global Women’s Forum Dubai will revolve around the pillars of Achieving, Creating, Giving, Energising, and Sustaining. The Forum’s agenda will help DEWA’s ongoing efforts to further integrate women into the energy and innovation sectors, because women are essential to our achieving sustainable development. This accords with the wise words of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, who once said that, "The UAE went beyond the stage of women's empowerment. We are now empowering the community through women."
Hala Badri, Executive Vice President of Brand and Communications at du, said: "Our participation at the Global Women's Forum Dubai today is a testament to du’s staunch belief in the importance of empowering all women – regardless of where they are in life – to accomplish their goals. Innovation forms a key pillar in our business and operations strategy, and as leaders in the telecommunications field, we recognize female empowerment as a potent tool to bolster innovation throughout our business. This forms a vital component of du’s social and economic impact strategy for all community segments."
She continued, "We are participating through the ‘Social Impact Hub’ to showcase the social input of du’s leading community initiatives and contributions in this area, in addition to its role in supporting women’s role in the communication industry. Through our participation in the event, we look forward to increasing our network and foreign exposure efforts, returning with recommendations and suggestions that will enrich the intellectual content of the Global Women's Forum Dubai."
Huda Buhumaid, Senior Vice President of Group Marketing and Communications at Dubai Holding said: "Working women today contribute about USD 3.4 billion to our economy. At Dubai Holding, we are proud that a woman is at the helm of one of key business – Dr Amina Al Rustamani, Group CEO of TECOM Group. While we have set an example for corporates we are also committed to enhancing the business and entrepreneurial ecosystem here – part of which means ensuring strong and fair representation of women."
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