Abu dhabi: Under the directives of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the 'Mother of the Nation', the General Women's Union (GWU) has announced the launch of the Emirati women entrepreneurs councils in friendly countries. The initiative seeks to empower Emirati businesswomen and foster economic development through enhanced cooperation and partnership between the UAE and other nations.
According to Emirates News Agency, these councils will operate under joint leadership, supervised by the GWU in coordination with UAE embassies and relevant entities within host countries. The initiative aligns with the 'Mother of Nation 50:50 Vision' to build a global network of women leaders and strengthen the international economic presence of Emirati women.
The councils are designed to promote bilateral economic cooperation and expand women's participation in the global economy through joint investment initiatives. They aim to support Sustainable Development Goals related to gender equality, economic growth, innovation, and global partnerships, while showcasing the UAE's model in women's empowerment and sustainable development.
Focusing on cultural and economic exchange, the councils will support cross-border business sustainability and reinforce the role of Emirati women as global development partners. Core functions include activating institutional cooperation channels, identifying collaboration priorities, developing action plans, and launching networking platforms for entrepreneurs.
The councils will organize conferences, exhibitions, and forums to promote women-led projects and share economic expertise. They will also prepare reports on women's economic empowerment, participate in international events, and ensure tangible outcomes from memoranda of understanding.
The GWU has launched the first council in China with a training programme titled 'Emirati Women Entrepreneurs: Exploring the Business Landscape in China.' This collaboration marks the first implementation of the councils' objectives, featuring a two-week programme beginning in early November across four major Chinese cities.
The programme targets a select group of Emirati businesswomen, offering insights into China's economic environment and focusing on e-commerce, digital transformation, innovation, and SME management. It includes cultural and knowledge exchanges through visits to major companies and trade exhibitions, as well as workshops with Chinese institutions.
Noura Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Secretary-General of the GWU, emphasized that the initiative strengthens Emirati women's global presence through sustainable platforms. She noted that the councils facilitate knowledge exchange and cross-border innovation, with the collaboration with China serving as a practical model for building global women's networks.
Amina Al Hamadi, Deputy Ambassador of the UAE to China, highlighted the initiative as a reflection of Sheikha Fatima's vision to expand Emirati women's representation internationally. She stated that the councils embody the UAE's vision to foster cooperation and strengthen Emirati women's roles in economic and developmental fields.
Ghalia Ali Al Mannai, Head of Strategic and Development Affairs at the GWU, remarked that the councils form a global platform for economic and cultural exchange, empowering women through collaboration and shared opportunities. She added that the UAE-China council is a step towards expanding the international network for trade and investment cooperation.
Under Sheikha Fatima's leadership, the GWU continues its mission to empower Emirati women locally and internationally, with the councils representing a strategic step towards a global economy where Emirati women contribute to sustainable development.