Global Women’s Forum Dubai (GWFD) 2020 has announced the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as “Global Knowledge Partner” of the second edition of the event, which will take place from Feb. 16 to 17 at Madinat Jumeirah.
GWFD 2020 is organized by Dubai Women Establishment (DWE) under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, vice president and prime minister of the UAE and ruler of Dubai. It engages international leaders and gender experts to influence policies and foster partnerships to further women’s positive impact for a better future for all. DWE aims to contribute to achieving the vision of the UAE’s wise leadership to increase the socio-economic participation of women, and their active contribution to the country’s growth and prosperity.
Mona Ghanem Al-Marri, chairperson of the board of directors of DWE, said: “This partnership reflects the longstanding commitment of Her Highness Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, president of the UAE Gender Balance Council, president of DWE and wife of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, UAE deputy prime minister and minister of presidential affairs, to fortify international cooperation with global organizations that offer specialist expertise in advancing women’s causes and socio-economic participation.”
Al-Marri said the UAE’s unwavering support for women is a testament to the prioritization of their active socio-economic contribution on a national level, as highlighted in the UAE Vision 2021. It also aims to elevate the representation of women in decision-making positions — both in the public and private sectors. Events such as GWFD 2020 are essential to develop strategic partnerships of this calibre.
“While several of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030 overlap with objectives of Global Women’s Forum Dubai — particularly SDG 5 on Gender Equality — the forum aims to make significant headway related to SDG 17: Partnership for the Goals. This SDG highlights the necessity of strengthening and revitalizing global partnerships for sustainable development. Apart from facilitating the exchange of knowledge and international best practices, these partnerships will highlight the UAE’s successful gender-friendly initiatives, and amplify how it engages women on multiple levels,” she added.
Kristalina Georgieva, managing director of the IMF, said: “Gender inequality remains widespread across countries and regions. IMF research shows that countries cannot fully prosper without tapping into all its talent. When we share knowledge, best practices and expertise at Global Women’s Forum Dubai 2020, we highlight the important role women can play in transforming entire economies across the globe. Women’s economic empowerment is macro-critical in many countries. It promotes growth, stability, inclusion, economic resilience, and reduces poverty.”
