CONTENT I am very happy to welcome you to the first roles in life. This global forum provides us currently in the process of rapid change edition of Global Women’s Forum Dubai. We with an opportunity to explore how women & development with its increasingly young in Dubai are honoured to host the largest can contribute their unique perspectives societies transitioning to a knowledge- gathering focused on encouraging women’s and ideas to solving the challenges faced based society. Leadership, creativity and advancement, and their participation in by the world today. Over the next two breakthrough innovations are critical to society, to be held in the MENA region. days, leading thinkers and world-renowned the ability of the region to successfully speakers from businesses, governments negotiate this period of transition. The UAE Aside from creating a platform to advance the and civil society across the world, and all has a remarkable legacy of Emirati women global dialogue on women’s participation, generations, will initiate a global exchange achievers supported by the constitution of diversity and gender balance, I see the of ideas on a wide range of issues related the UAE, which guarantees balance for both Forum playing a role in supporting the to gender diversity, female engagement men and women. The country has done closer integration of women into the region’s and women’s contribution to societies. I significant work to closely involve women in development process. In particular, this am confident these interactions will bring decision-making at every level; a process that Forum will help achieve this by introducing to light many breakthrough ideas and has delivered rich results in various areas. pioneering Arab women to a global audience. practical solutions to pressing issues. I By raising the profile of their work and their also believe these discussions will have a far- Today, the UAE is a regional and international contributions, this Forum will significantly reaching impact, inspiring and empowering leader in gender balance and diversity. help in breaking down stereotypes of women future generations of women to make more In light of these achievements, we in the in the region. positive contributions to social and economic UAE eagerly look forward to a deeper development. interaction and exchange of ideas with our The Forum’s theme - Let’s Innovate! - is counterparts from across the world on how also significant for women and is inspired by B a c k e d b y t h e s u p p o r t o f t h e U A E ’s l e a d e r s h i p we can enhance women’s participation and the UAE’s creative approach to generating and its deep commitment to strengthening empowerment globally. We look forward effective ideas that support the development the role of women in society, we are pleased to your valued contributions, support and of ambitious, talented women. Innovation to be able to organise this landmark event engagement to drive change as well as is the key to women’s future success – a in partnership with the Women’s Forum for progress in the advancement of women bright future that allows women to fulfil all the Economy and Society. Our region is across the Arab region and around the world. Manal Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum PRESIDENT OF UAE GENDER BALANCE COUNCIL, PRESIDENT OF DUBAI WOMEN ESTABLISHMENT It gives me great pleasure to welcome keynote speeches. Interactive sessions and Their efforts have made this event possible you to Global Women’s Forum Dubai. workshops will provide a unique opportunity and we’re delighted to have their support. Our Over the course of two days, we have an for delegates to meet, share, learn and be partnerships with some of the most influential unprecedented opportunity to shape a inspired through creative hubs and corners. local and international institutions are also a new direction for strengthening women’s Our agenda over the next two days features key factor in the success of the Forum. contribution to socio-economic development an extremely diverse range of topics with across the world. We are honoured to have some of our most celebrated female role On behalf of Dubai Women Establishment worked closely with the Women’s Forum for models from different fields will share and the Women’s Forum for the Economy the Economy & Society, to create a space breakthrough moments in their work and & Society, I’d like to thank our sponsors where thought leaders and trailblazers in life, and explore how women can contribute for their incredible support in promoting the field of women’s advancement can their innovative thinking to the advancement the event, and contributing to the various share ideas in an innovative, connected and of our rapidly changing societies. Global Women’s Forum Dubai initiatives. inspiring environment. Lastly, I’d like to thank each and every one I would like to extend our special thanks of our participants for their contribution to Bringing together more than 2,000 to the speakers for their participation and the success of this event – we wish you a participants and 100 speakers from across willingness to share their insights, ideas and rewarding experience at Global Women’s the region and the world, the Forum offers experiences in the global drive to enhance Forum Dubai. a rich programme of plenary sessions and women’s engagement and participation. MONA GHANEM AL MARRI Chairperson of the Board of Dubai Women Establishment (DWE) and Vice President of the UAE Gender Balance Council I am truly delighted to take part in this Global commitments to corporate diversity with an Women’s Forum Dubai, the first-ever Women’s eye to what comes next. And we will be talking Forum event in the MENA region. For 12 years a lot about innovation. Innovation is a word now, the Women’s Forum for the Economy & we hear a lot these days. Most often it has Society has played an increasingly vital role something to do with technology. What if we worldwide as a focal point for women’s views were to put aside our current infatuation with and voices. Along with our annual Global technology, to focus on innovating to ensure Meeting in Deauville, France, the Women’s that human beings wind up gaining more Forum has hosted conferences in Brazil, Italy, than they give up? We know that poverty and Myanmar and Belgium, with meetings this inequalities persist in both developed and year in Mexico (27-28 April), Mauritius (20-21 developing economies. We also know that June), and again in Deauville (30 November-2 healthy, educated and empowered women December). are at the very core of a better society for all of us. How do we foster innovation? By being The Women’s Forum has always been, first united. By thinking together. By working side– and foremost, a business conference, one by –side. And by recognizing we all share a that showcases stories of workable solutions common destiny. Wherever you may be from, in different countries and contexts. In Dubai please think of Global Women’s Forum Dubai we will be discussing how business acts to as your home. Feel confident to network, to promote greater economic and social equality. enrich your knowledge and experiences, and We will hear business leaders examine their be sure your voice matters. CLARA GAYMARD President, Women’s Forum for the Economy & Society, France ABOUT DUBAI WOMEN ESTABLISHMENT THE WOMEN’S FORUM Dubai Women Establishment (DWE) was solutions to enable women to play a greater Since 2005 the Women’s Forum for the formed in 2006 under law no. (24) by His role within the UAE and on a global scale. The Economy & Society has been the world’s Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid term participation includes acknowledgment leading platform featuring women’s views Al Maktoum – UAE Vice President and of women in arts, women in sports and and voices on major social and economic Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai. DWE women in leadership, professionally in their issues. Deploying the experience of both is headed by Her Highness Sheikha Manal field as well as the societal arena, such as women and men – business leaders, Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum acts of philanthropy, humanitarianism and researchers, politicians, entrepreneurs – – President of the UAE Gender Balance politics. across all generations and geographies, our Council and wife of HH Sheikh Mansour bin conferences feature broad, rich and edgy Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and www.dwe.gov.ae debates, acting as a sounding board for Minister of Presidential Affairs. today’s important ideas and a springboard for tomorrow’s solutions. The practical As a statutory body of Dubai Government discussions in our Discovery sessions and as per its founding decree, the typically focus not only on overcoming Establishment aims to encourage and barriers but on creating new opportunities. facilitate the participation of Emirati women The Women’s Forum also promotes the in the workforce and society. Its mandate advancement of women through regional includes extensive research into identifying and international networks. and quantifying the status of women in the workforce of Dubai, as well as initiatives www.womens-forum.com towards women’s further development opportunities. Awareness and policies that are conducive to women in the workforce are recommended to the Dubai Government as ABOUT GWFD CONCEPT NOTE Building on the theme Let’s Innovate!, Global Women’s Forum Dubai is a can’t-miss opportunity to speak up, speak out and connect with the aim of considering new perspectives for business leaders and trailblazers from around the world.