Abu Dhabi: Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the 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), UN Women, with the General Women's Union and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the UAE (MoFA), organised the "EmpowerHer" conference in Abu Dhabi. This event celebrated the launch of the "Accelerating Women's Economic Empowerment in Africa and Latin America" programme, convened by the pioneering strategic partnership of the UAE and UN Women.
According to Emirates News Agency, the conference was held at the General Women's Union and was attended by Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State; Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of State; Alia bint Abdullah Al Mazrouei, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship; Ahmed Jassim Al Zaabi, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development; and Sheikha Dr. Moza bint Tahnoon bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Advisor at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This conference is the first in a series of annual conferences held within the framework of global cooperation led by the United Arab Emirates to support women in the economic field.
The conference focused on enhancing employment opportunities, expanding entrepreneurship, and driving inclusive and sustainable economic growth for women, particularly in emerging markets. It marks the first in a series of annual conferences led by the UAE aimed at supporting women's global economic empowerment. Conference themes focused on enhancing employment opportunities, expanding entrepreneurship, and driving inclusive and sustainable economic growth for women, particularly in emerging markets in Africa and Latin America countries.
Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan emphasized that the objectives of this conference embody the vision of the UAE, a vision rooted in strengthening interconnectedness, expanding avenues of opportunity, and building bridges of dialogue and cooperation among nations, thereby fostering a renewed climate of inclusive growth and shared prosperity.
He stated that under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE remains committed to advancing women's empowerment as a key driver of a sustainable and prosperous future. Building on the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, H.H. reaffirms his dedication to supporting and expanding initiatives that open broader avenues for women's participation in economic, social, and political spheres.
Noura Al Kaabi, Minister of State, highlighted that the international gathering embodies the spirit of global cooperation and partnership for the empowerment of women. It sends a clear message to the world that genuine women's empowerment is key to sustainable development, social peace, and economic prosperity, requiring collective collaboration and strong partnerships.
Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, emphasized that empowering women is a strategic economic imperative. He noted that through strategic partnerships, particularly with the Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council and UN Women, they are advancing a globally relevant model of economic development where inclusive growth directly fuels investor confidence and sustainable prosperity.
Noura Al Suwaidi, Secretary General of the General Women's Union, underscored that the conference reflects the UAE's commitment to supporting women's issues globally. This initiative embodies the nation's vision to promote fair and effective participation of women, especially on economic matters, as a fundamental pillar for achieving gender balance and accelerating sustainable development worldwide.
The 'EmpowerHer' conference addressed four key themes: the global, regional, and UAE-specific economic empowerment of women; gender-responsive procurement; private sector initiatives and the UN Women's Empowerment Principles; and the role of women in a green economic transformation related to the environment.
The conference featured distinguished attendees, making it a dynamic global platform for exchanging knowledge, building strategic partnerships, and exploring inclusive growth opportunities for women. The partnership between the UAE and UN Women is a global model for long-term cooperation, affirming the UAE's leading role in advancing the agenda for women's economic empowerment.
Dr. Mouza Al Shehhi, Director of the UN Women Liaison Office for the GCC, stated that the conference represents a pivotal moment for the strategic partnership between UN Women and the UAE, focusing on transforming policies into tangible impacts, particularly in emerging economies.
The strategic cooperation is set to continue through a series of annual conferences, building on the outcomes of the "EmpowerHer" conference in Abu Dhabi. Future conferences will be held in Chile and Kenya, focusing on enhancing women's participation in the global economy, with a practical focus on regional contexts and local needs.
Jemimah Njuki, Chief, Economic Empowerment, UN Women, remarked that the 'EmpowerHer' conference is a significant step toward advancing women's economic empowerment globally, creating pathways for women to access economic opportunities and contribute to a more inclusive global economy.