Dubai: H.H. Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Gender Balance Council (UAE GBC), President of Dubai Women Establishment (DWE), wife of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, welcomed dignitaries and delegations to the third edition of the Global Women’s Forum – Dubai 2024 (GWFD 2024). H.H. Sheikha Manal emphasised the Forum’s pivotal role in fostering global collaboration for women’s empowerment and development.

The Forum, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, is set to attract over 4,000 participants, including first ladies, senior officials, ministers, decision-makers, and leaders of global organisations. The two-day event, beginning November 26 at Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, aims to deliver actionable solutions for gender balance and women’s empowerment worldwide.

H.H. Sheikha Manal extended a warm welcome to the distinguished guests, including Emine Erdoğan, wife of the Turkish President; Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, First Lady of Pakistan; and Eliza Reid, former First Lady of Iceland. H.H. Sheikha Manal also welcomed senior government officials, heads of delegations, and leaders of participating international organisations and institutions, expressing the hope that the forum would inspire effective global solutions to advance women’s roles.

H.H. Sheikha Manal emphasised the UAE’s influential role in advancing women’s empowerment under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The UAE has achieved global recognition for its efforts, ranking first regionally and seventh globally in the United Nations Development Programme’s Gender Equality Index 2024.

These achievements stem from years of strategic partnerships between the UAE Gender Balance Council, government bodies, semi-governmental entities, and the private sector. Sheikha Manal highlighted the UAE’s dedication to enabling women to balance social and professional roles through supportive legislation and policies.

Sheikha Manal acknowledged the invaluable contributions of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Mother of the Nation, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union (GWU), President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF), whose initiatives have set a benchmark in empowering women. The National Policy for Empowering Women in the UAE (2023–2031) reflects Her Highness’s vision for inclusive women’s participation and enhancing their quality of life.

The Forum will explore critical themes, including ‘Future Economies, Future Societies’, ‘Collective Engagements, Collective Actions’, and ‘Impactful Technologies, Impactful Innovations’. With over 250 speakers from 65 countries and 130 discussions and workshops, the event will address pressing challenges such as gender gaps, digital inequality, and the disproportionate impact of global crises on women. Her Highness stressed the urgency of finding practical solutions to empower women worldwide and ensure their rightful place as active contributors to sustainable development.

H.H. Sheikha Manal hoped the Forum would establish meaningful partnerships to advance gender balance and empower women globally. She highlighted the importance of shared responsibility in addressing challenges that limit women’s roles in various societies.

The Forum will also showcase inspiring stories of women who have excelled in shaping a just and sustainable future. These narratives underscore the vital role of women as critical partners in creating a balanced and inclusive world.