ABU DHABI, 21st February, 2023 (WAM) — H.H Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union (GWU), Chairwoman of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF), and the “Mother of the Nation” today opened the Global Summit of Women 2023.
The two-day event is being organised by the World Muslim Communities Council (TWMCC) and the GWU, with the theme, “Role of Female Leaders in Peace Building, Social Integration, and Driving Prosperity”.
Sheikha Fatima's opening speech was delivered by Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Executive Director of the UAE Independent Climate Change Accelerators (UICCA).
In her speech, Sheikha Fatima welcomed all participants to the UAE, the country of humanity and coexistence, which welcomes everyone without discrimination. She stressed that Abu Dhabi is proud to host the summit, which is attended by many world leaders.
Smt. Droupadi Murmu, President of India, delivered the keynote speech of the global event, which she hailed as a “reflection of the vision of Sheikha Fatima about women in the UAE and the world.”
“Today, Emirati women are representing the UAE at global level, occupying prominent positions and making their country proud,” she said.
“You have several women as ministers, members of the UAE Federal National Council (FNC), and prominent ambassadors. They have taken their country to Mars, and they are working to make their country carbon-neutral. The UAE is one of the most preferred places in the world for women to live and work. This is a testimony to your visionary leadership,” she added.
This year, she continued, is “very important for India and the UAE, as the hosts of the G20 and COP28. I am very happy that both countries are working together to make these global events successful. I am sure that COP28 will take into account the critical role of women in environmental issues, especially in sustainable development.”