The Global Women’s Forum, to take place at Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai on Tuesday and Wednesday, is expected to attract more than 4,000 participants.
The two-day event, being held for the third time, aims to deliver solutions for gender inequality and promote women’s empowerment around the world.
On Monday, Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed, President of the Gender Balance Council and the Dubai Women Establishment, acknowledged the contributions of Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Mother of the Nation, to the cause of promoting women's empowerment in the UAE.
Sheikha Manal also welcomed guests including Emine Erdogan, first lady of Turkey, Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, a Pakistani politician and daughter of the country's President Asif Ali Zardari, and Iceland's former first lady, Eliza Reid. Senior officials and leaders of global organisations are also set to attend.
The event, which will feature 130 discussions and workshops and more than 250 speakers from 65 countries, will address challenges including gender gaps, digital inequality and the effects of global crises on women.
“The UAE is committed to driving global progress in women’s empowerment and sharing its successful experiences in this field,” Sheikha Manal said. “Our leadership has provided unparalleled support and enacted laws to enable women’s positive participation in the development process.”