Laura Lane champions the power of women during her address at Global Women's Forum Dubai 2020

Laura Lane: “Together we can accomplish anything – because in reality, the future is female!" 

Dubai, UAE: The second day of Global Women’s Forum Dubai 2020 witnessed another inspiring ‘Game-Changer’ session led by President of Global Public Affairs at UPS, Laura Lane. During her session, she revealed that the secret to becoming a powerful agent of change is finding a bold opportunity: "The world can be a more peaceful and prosperous place if everyone has the opportunity to engage in economic growth, bring their authentic self and their talent to the world."

Laura Lane opened the session by talking about her experience in Rwanda saying: "The most game-changing moment of my life was when I was in Rwanda. I saw an opportunity and I took it, I wanted to become that warrior for change. Rwanda is an inspiring story of hope."

Lane emphasised the positive impact of having women in control. "From genocide in Rwanda to what arose is a thriving country based on a lot of economic empowerment of women. Women have helped rebuild Rwanda and have set the tone for how the country should be today – rising literacy, communities that are strong, justice has been set but compassionately, as well as growth and opportunities invested back into the country’s communities."

She talked about the importance of giving women a legal foundation in order to empower them. "I was able to succeed in my career because of the legal frameworks that support women. When laws changed, opportunities were created. We need to champion reforming laws." She added that building partnerships, more he-for-she, advocacy, PPP partnerships and access to financing are also pivotal to women’s success.

When talking about her experience at UPS, Laura Lane said: "Our CEO recognised that it is smart to invest in women-owned businesses. It wasn’t just the smart thing to do, it was good business. At UPS, we want to expand opportunities for everyone; we are all about teaching them tools of the trade, helping them understand custom processes and how to package their products.”

Lane also placed particular emphasis on the importance of having the right support. "I have learnt tremendous lessons on what it takes for women to succeed because I have seen it in my own career. Doors were automatically opened, I had access because some people believed in me, and I want to be that person who instils that confidence in women everywhere."

She closed the session by stating:" Together we can accomplish anything – because in reality the future is female!"

The ‘Game-Changer’ sessions, introduced for the first time at Global Women’s Forum Dubai 2020, showcase inspiring personal stories from women who have made great strides across various industries, providing insight into their journeys to success. The sessions highlight pioneering women’s diverse experiences – including the lessons learnt and obstacles overcome – as they delve into topics ranging across philanthropy, international relations, male-dominated industries, business, and more.

Global Women’s Forum Dubai 2020 was organised by Dubai Women Establishment, which is led 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, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs.

Building on its theme, ‘The Power of Influence’, Global Women’s Forum Dubai 2020 discussed how effective policies and partnerships in four key areas – Government, Economy, Society, and the Future – can further women’s positive impact for a better future.

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About Global Women’s Forum Dubai 2020:

Global Women's Forum Dubai (GWFD) 2020 is an international event being held on February 16-17, 2020 at Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It is organised by Dubai Women Establishment (DWE) and held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai. 

Building on its theme ‘The Power of Influence’, GWFD 2020 offers a global platform to discuss improved policies and foster partnerships that further women’s positive impact across four key areas: government, economy, society, and future. The event aims to engage over 3,000 attendees – including global leaders, public and private sector experts, as well as entrepreneurs, academics and students – through workshops and keynote sessions.

The Forum’s Knowledge Partner is the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).  Alongside the Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative (We-Fi), DWE is also co-organising the We-Fi MENA Regional Summit – a side-line event that will host entrepreneurs from the region’s emerging economies.

In line with the UAE’s ongoing commitment to advance gender balance across all sectors, GWFD 2020 will drive female engagement and participation in the workforce, and is a testament to the country’s position as a global role model for the advancement of women.

About Dubai Women Establishment:

Dubai Women Establishment (DWE) was formed in 2006 as a statutory body of Dubai Government by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, 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 His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs. 

The Establishment’s mission is to advance the engagement and socio-economic participation of women across various sectors and fields. DWE’s strategic plan 2017-2021 focuses on providing recommendations to shape policies; fostering strategic partnerships; developing capacity-building programmes; as well as conducting in-depth research and facilitating the exchange of knowledge by organising global events and leading initiatives.   

© Press Release 2020