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In line with the UAE's ongoing commitment towards leading the region in women's developments and achievements
H.E. Michelle Bachelet, President of the Republic of Chile to join the eminent keynote speakers which include Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah, Christine Lagarde, and HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan
Plenary Program, that was unveiled during press conference, to explore 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
Dubai, 2 February, 2016
Dubai Women Establishment and the Women's Forum for the Economy & Society have announced the partners, programme and additions to the speakers lineup for the upcoming Global Women's Forum Dubai, which will be held 23-24 February 2016 at the Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai; and led by Her Highness Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Gender Balance Council, President of Dubai Women Establishment and wife of HH Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, UAE.
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."
She added, "There is a greater need for more women to participate in creative sectors, be corporate leaders, engage in conversations around innovation, and be part of the discovery process that leads to breakthroughs and inventions. As such, we are determined to weave the perspectives from the Forum into the fabric of Dubai Holding, by designing initiatives to better harness the calibre of our female colleagues and overcome existing challenges. After all, innovation is in our DNA."
Laurent Gaborit, Regional Managing Director, Cartier Middle East, India & Africa of Cartier, said: "As a founding partner of the Women's Forum, Cartier is proud to join hands with the Women's Forum and the Dubai Women Establishment for the first-ever Women's Forum event in the region. On this occasion, we are happy to celebrate the 10 year anniversary of the Cartier Women's Initiative Awards. 10 years of supporting change-makers and innovators. Women entrepreneurs who are making concrete and innovative contributions to finding effective and affordable solutions for the future of our society."
Dina Al Herais, Vice President Commercial, VIP Customer Relations at Emirates, said: Emirates Airline is participating in the Global Women's Forum in Dubai, because this event focuses on the challenges and issues of today and tomorrow, and promotes the positive role of women and encourages their participation in various fields. Being one of the largest companies in Dubai and in the region with over 60,000 employees worldwide, the airline strives to significantly contribute to the development of these ideas. At Emirates Airline, we have a number of women employed in senior positions, which confirms our belief in the importance of the role of women.
She added: "The roles and responsibilities held by women who are working at Emirates Airline inspire other women to follow in their path. For example, women hold positions as pilots, aircraft engineers, maintenance and managerial roles, where they contribute to the daily operations of Emirates', which includes over 250 aircraft, in addition to managing commercial operations and customer service responsibilities at our 150 destinations around the world."
Mariam Al Afridi, Director of Marketing and Corporate Communications at Dubai Media Incorporated said: "We are honoured to be the Strategic Media Partner of Global Women's Forum Dubai. This partnership comes as part of our belief in showcasing the achievements of UAE women, as well as highlighting important issues related to women around the world."
She continued: "A global event like this will showcase the realities of Arab women's lives, and rectify some of the stereotypes about this region in front of a wide range of political, economic and social leaders, along with a number of international experts and specialists concerned with women affairs. We see our partnership with Global Women's Forum Dubai as a unique opportunity; it is aligned with our strategy at Dubai Media Incorporated, as well as our commitment to promote Dubai's vision and development."
Additionally, H.E. Michelle Bachelet, President of the Republic of Chile, will deliver a keynote video address at the Global Women's Forum Dubai; thereby joining the wide array of influential speakers which will include keynote speeches by Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, wife of His Majesty King Abdullah II Ibn Al Hussein of Jordan and HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Global Women's Forum Dubai will also feature Christine Lagarde, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund; HE Dr. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, President of the Republic of Mauritius; HE Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid Al Qasimi, UAE Minister of International Cooperation and Development; and HE Reem Ibrahim Al Hashimi, UAE Minister of State, HE Emma Bonino, former Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs; as well as prominent figures from the public and private sector around the world, including:
· Margrethe Vestager, European Commissioner for Competition
· H.E. Saeed Al Tayer, Managing Director & CEO, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority
· H.E. Hissa Abdulla Ahmed Al-Otaiba, Ambassador to Spain
· Olivier Fleurot, Senior Vice-President, Publicis Groupe, France
· Clara Gaymard, President, Women's Forum for the Economy & Society and President
· Tariq Al Gurg, CEO, Dubai Cares
· Pascale Sourisse, Senior Executive VP International Development, Thales, France
· John Defterios, Emerging Markets Editor and Anchor, CNN
· Becky Anderson, Managing Editor and Anchor, CNN
· Manal Al Taryam, CEO, Noor Dubai Foundation
· Monique Villa, CEO, Thomson Reuters Foundation, UK
· Khalid Al-Ameri, Columnist, Gulf Today, UAE
· Hong Sheng Chiong, Founder & CIO, OphtalmicDocs, New Zealand
Building on the theme "Let's Innovate!", Global Women's Forum Dubai will explore what innovation really means in today's technology-focused era. The event will address women's sustainable role in this revolutionary world, with the aim of strengthening the influence of women globally, maximising their contribution to socio-economic development, and inspiring future generations of women to actively participate in nation-building. Global Women's Forum Dubai will build on the theme of innovation through five key pillars, Achieving, Creating, Giving, Energising and Sustaining, addressing the sustainable role of women in innovation and building long-lasting networks designed to empower societies through women's participation.
CEO Champions, a Women's Forum for the Economy & Society initiative launched in 2010 to drive progress and accountability for women's advancement in the private and public sectors, will also be part of Global Women's Forum Dubai 2016, in addition to other key Women's Forum initiatives such as Rising Talents, Women in Media, and the Cartier Women's Initiative Awards.
The Global Women's Forum Dubai is supported by local, regional and international organization, who are: Main Partner, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA); Strategic Partners, Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company Du and Dubai Holding; Leading Partner, Cartier; Strategic Media Partner, Dubai Media Incorporated; Official Carrier, Emirates Airline; Exclusive Social Media Partner, Twitter; International Media Partners, International New York Times, France Media Monde and France Culture; Radio Partner, Arabian Radio Network; Official Car Partner, Audi (Al Nabooda Automobiles); Partner of the Rising Talents Initiative, FGB; Support Partners, Thomson Reuters Foundation and DTCM; Discovery Partners, Guerlain and Airbus Group and Technology Partner, Lenovo.
Global Women's Forum Dubai plenary sessions
THE TURNING POINT
There is a crucial turning point in every career, a "breakthrough" moment that determines not only what you do but who you are. These speakers provide an inspirational opening for Global Women's Forum Dubai. Because, as different as each story may be, we can all recognise that moment that changes everything.
VOICES FROM THE GULF
While women in the Middle East share many similarities with their counterparts in other regions, they are frequently the subjects of misperceptions throughout the world. This session aims to look beyond some of the most common stereotypes and focus on the real-life achievements of and challenges for women in this region.
INNOVATIVE THINKING FOR TOMORROW'S CITIES
Urban centers around the world are grappling with how to optimize legacy infrastructure - education, transport, culture, safety, healthcare, housing policies.... - with women and girls in mind. What if we were to leap forward and re-think our cities not only to incorporate women's perspectives but to deploy the genius of women for the benefit of all?
CREATING LASTING SOCIAL IMPACT
Philanthropy and social entrepreneurship are yielding new approaches to social impact, and serving up new models for making change. Meet some of the new change-makers and hear what drives them and what they aim to achieve.
80 IS THE NEW 50
Research indicates we will continue to live longer. The life expectancy of women has risen even faster than that of men. But does living longer mean living better? One renowned expert will challenge what we take for granted about our allotted time on the planet, and share how we can disrupt and reinvent the basics so we may adapt to our future. Because sooner than you think, 80 will be the new 50!
-Ends-
About Global Women's Forum Dubai
Bringing together male and female leaders from across the world, Global Women's Forum Dubai will be held on 23-24 February 2016, at the Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Co-organised by the Women's Forum for the Economy & Society and Dubai Women Establishment, Global Women's Forum Dubai is the first Women's Forum for the Economy & Society event in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
Global Women's Forum Dubai will highlight the UAE and region's achievements in improving gender balance, and provide a global platform for thought leaders and decision-makers to build networks, exchange ideas and share experiences, to enhance female engagement and participation. The event is expected to attract over 2,000 international and regional decision-makers, representing the business, government, academic, social and cultural sectors throughout the world.
Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, and led by Her Highness Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of UAE Gender Balance Council, President of Dubai Women Establishment, Global Women's Forum Dubai will showcase the capabilities of women from the Arab world on the global stage and their contribution to the region's socio-economic growth, and help to change perceptions about Arab women. Global Women's Forum Dubai will also support the UAE's strategy to empower societies through women's participation, in addition to Dubai's vision to be recognised as a leading global events destination.
Building on the theme "Let's Innovate!", Global Women's Forum Dubai will explore what innovation really means in today's technology-focussed era. The event will address women's sustainable role in this revolutionary world, with the aim of strengthening the influence of women globally, maximising their contribution to socio-economic development, and inspiring future generations of women to actively participate in nation-building. Global Women's Forum Dubai will serve as a key platform, not only for advancing innovation, but also for highlighting the achievements and participation of Arab women in innovation. The programme will feature plenaries, interactive sessions and practical workshops under five pillars - Achieving, Creating, Giving, Energising, and Sustaining. DEWA and Cartier are amongst the partners of Global Women's Forum Dubai.
About Dubai Women Establishment
The Dubai Women Establishment (DWE) was formed in 2006 under law no. (24) by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum - UAE Vice President and Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai. DWE is headed by Her Highness Sheikha Manal Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum - President of the UAE Gender Balance Council and wife of HH Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs. As a statutory body of Dubai Government and as per its founding decree, the Establishment aims to encourage and facilitate the participation of Emirati women in the workforce and society.
Its mandate includes extensive research into identifying and quantifying the status of women in the workforce of Dubai, as well as initiatives towards women's further development opportunities. Awareness and policies that are conducive to women in the workforce are recommended to the Dubai Government as solutions to enable women to play a greater role within the UAE and on a global scale. The term participation includes acknowledgment of women in arts, women in sports and women in leadership, professionally in their field as well as the societal arena, such as acts of philanthropy, humanitarianism and politics.
About the Women's Forum for the Economy and Society
Since 2005 the Women's Forum for the Economy & Society has been the world's leading platform featuring women's views and voices on major social and economic issues. Deploying the experience of both women and men - business leaders, researchers, politicians, entrepreneurs... - across all generations and geographies, our conferences feature broad, rich and edgy debates, acting as a sounding board for today's important ideas and a springboard for tomorrow's solutions. The practical discussions in our Discovery sessions typically focus not only on overcoming barriers but on creating new opportunities. The Women's Forum also promotes the advancement of women though regional and international networks. In addition to the annual Women's Forum Global Meeting in Deauville, France, important Women's Forum meetings have taken place in Brazil, Myanmar, Italy and Brussels. The first Women's Forum Mexico is scheduled for 27-28 April 2016 in Mexico City, with upcoming events planned for Tunisia and Mauritius. And the 12th edition of the Women's Forum Global Meeting will take place 30 November-2 December 2016 in Deauville.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Dubai Women Establishment
Women's Forum for the Economy and Society
Ghaleb Zeidan
Weber Shandwick MENA
Phone: + 971 50 778 2286
Fax: + 971 2 449 4833
Email: GZeidan@webershandwick.com
Randall Koral
Phone: +33 6 95 99 58 11
Email: randall.koral@womens-forum.com
Jennifer Cain
Weber Shandwick MENA
Phone: + 971 55 474 1105
Fax: + 971 2 449 4833
Email: JCain@webershandwick.com
© Press Release 2016
