The Gender Balance Forum, held under the patronage of Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Gender Balance Council (GBC), President of the Dubai Women Establishment, and the wife of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidential Court, hosted a panel discussion titled ‘Public-Private Partnerships to Accelerate Gender Parity and Economic Development’ at the World Government Summit (WGS) 2023 in Dubai.
The panelists emphasized that achieving progress in gender balance is not the sole responsibility of governments, but rather a shared responsibility among the government, society, and the private sector. They highlighted the importance of enhancing societal awareness of balance and promoting equal opportunities for women in various sectors.
The Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG 5) Pledge to Accelerate Women’s Leadership in the UAE Private Sector, which was signed last year, sets a goal for companies to voluntarily increase women’s participation in middle and upper management leadership positions to 30% by 2025.
During the panel discussion, which featured representatives from companies that signed the pledge, panelists emphasized the private sector’s eagerness to support the UAE’s vision and directions to achieve greater success in promoting gender balance locally and regionally. They also acknowledged the significant efforts of the UAE Gender Balance Council and its partnerships that have had a positive influence on the private sector’s commitment to realizing this vision, which seeks to establish the UAE as one of the world’s leading countries in the field of gender balance.
Read more: UAE to address gender balance at World Government Summit 2023
Kaman’s Fahmy expressed his company’s commitment to the pledge and highlighted their excellent business relationships in the UAE, as the company continues to expand its footprint in supporting the aerospace manufacturing industry in the Emirates. Fahmy noted that Kaman has programs in place to enhance women’s representation in various roles and at all levels to 50% by 2025.
Under the guidance of its wise leadership, the UAE places great importance on gender balance and women’s empowerment and is eager to share its inspiring achievements with the global community. The country’s commitment to supporting international efforts to achieve gender balance is a testament to its sustainable approach.
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