Global Women’s Forum Dubai advances dialogue on empowering women

The Global Women’s Forum Dubai 2024 has brought together over 6,000 participants, all united in their commitment to advancing women’s empowerment and promoting gender balance.

Prominent international figures, ministers, senior officials and representatives from global institutions and the private sector are attending the third edition of the event, which kicked off on Tuesday at the Madinat Jumeirah.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, attended the opening of the forum.

He welcomed the participants, emphasising the event's importance as a platform for dialogue on empowering women and ensuring equal opportunities.

Sheikh Mohammed reaffirmed the UAE’s dedication to advancing gender balance worldwide, and also expressed pride in the UAE's achievements, stressing the country's belief in women’s potential and its commitment to providing the support necessary for them to thrive across all sectors.

He highlighted the vital role women play as equal partners in shaping the future through their talent and contributions.

The opening ceremony was also attended by Emine Erdoğan, First Lady of Türkiye; Asifa Bhutto Zardari, First Lady of Pakistan; and Louise Araneta Marcos, First Lady of the Philippines.

.@HHShkMohd attends opening of Global Women’s Forum Dubai 2024. The event has brought together more than 6,000 participants including prominent international figures, ministers, senior officials, and representatives from international institutions and the private sector, all… pic.twitter.com/lThrg8e9Bx

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) November 26, 2024

On the opening day of the forum, the UAE Gender Balance Council hosted the signing of the Gender Equality Acceleration Pledge, bringing together leaders from some of the UAE's most influential organisations to accelerate the representation of women in leadership roles.

Representatives of seven prominent organisations signed the pledge to work towards ensuring that 30% of middle and senior management roles are occupied by women by 2028.

This target aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 5 which calls for the full and effective participation of women in leadership positions globally.

The signatories include representatives of ADNOC, Al-Futtaim IKEA, Posterity Institute, Emirates NBD, Tristar Group, International Advisory Group and Mediclinic Middle East.

The UAE Gender Balance Council hosted the signing of the Gender Equality Acceleration Pledge on the first day of the Global Women’s Forum Dubai 2024.

Representatives of seven prominent organisations signed the pledge including,

- ADNOC
- Emirates NBD
- IKEA
- Mediclinic… pic.twitter.com/dJJ5Wjkjgg

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) November 26, 2024