Innovation central theme for Women’s Forum Dubai

It will be the first time that the event is held in the Mena region

16 October, 2015

Dubai: Innovation will be the theme of the Women’s Forum Dubai in 2016, according to a press conference at the Women’s Forum Global Meeting in Deauville, France on Friday.

Addressing the press conference, Shamsa Saleh, CEO of Dubai Women Establishment (DWE), said that Women’s Forum Dubai will be held under the theme ‘Let’s Innovate!’ from February 23-24.

“Women’s Forum Dubai is set to be a landmark event for many reasons. Firstly, this is the first time the Women’s Forum will be held in the Middle East and North Africa [Mena] region. Secondly, the event is being held under the theme ‘Let’s Innovate’. Women’s Forum Dubai will be an unprecedented platform for discussing the sustainable role of women in our fast-changing world. It is a wonderful opportunity for us to examine how we can strengthen the role of women in economic development, and how we can inspire future generations of women to participate in nation-building,” Shamsa said.

The DWC CEO revealed that the agenda streams for the forum fall under five pillars: Achieving, Creating, Giving, Energising, and Sustaining. Each pillar will serve to orient sessions and discussions to show how the development of innovative ideas and practices can benefit women, society or the economy.

Women’s Forum Dubai will be organised under the patronage of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

Jacqueline Franjou, CEO of the Women’s Forum said: “The event promises to bring a fresh set of perspectives on the role of women in innovation, sustainable social progress, business growth, good government and education. Some of the key voices that we will hear at Women’s Forum Dubai will be from women in the Mena region who have blazed new paths, challenged stereotypes and achieved success against great odds. Dubai will be an ideal venue for the event, as the UAE is one of the fastest developing regions not only economically but also in terms of innovation, education and governance. Dubai and the UAE have also been at the forefront of significant advances for women’s empowerment and gender equality in the region. We look forward to hearing the stories of women from various spheres of life both in the region and across the world.”

The preparations for hosting Women’s Forum Dubai are being led by Shaikha Manal Bint Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Gender Balance Council and President of Dubai Women Establishment.

Acknowledging Shaikha Manal’s efforts, Shamsa said: “Shaikha Manal has been a powerful supporter and advocate for enhancing the role that women play in the evolution and growth of the UAE’s society and economy.”