UAE-Africa Women Leaders Conference Strengthens Women’s Empowerment Under Sheikha Fatima’s Patronage
Abu Dhabi hosted the “UAE-Africa Women Leaders Conference,” organized by the General Women’s Union (GWU) in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This event took place under the esteemed patronage of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the Mother of the Nation and Chairwoman of the GWU. The conference aimed to enhance women’s empowerment and strengthen ties between the UAE and African nations.
High-Level Participation
The conference was held at the GWU headquarters and attracted significant participation from officials, women leaders, and decision-makers from the UAE and various African countries. Representatives from over 40 embassies accredited to the UAE were also present, underscoring the event’s international significance.
Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State, delivered the opening address. He emphasized that the patronage of H.H. Sheikha Fatima reflects the esteemed position of women in the UAE and highlights her pivotal role in the empowerment of Emirati women. He noted that her vision and continuous support have enabled women to become active partners in the nation’s development.
Emphasizing Women’s Role in Development
Sheikh Shakhboot articulated that the patronage sends a clear message about women’s roles in development. He stated that women are not only partners in progress but also custodians of values that contribute to societal stability and prosperity. He reiterated that the UAE’s commitment to women’s participation in national progress has been a longstanding belief since the era of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
Under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, this commitment continues to evolve. Sheikh Shakhboot highlighted that empowering women is integral to the UAE’s approach to human development and the promotion of values such as responsibility and generosity.
Strengthening UAE-Africa Relations
The conference is part of the UAE’s broader efforts to fortify its longstanding relationships with African nations in the realm of women’s affairs. It builds upon existing memoranda of understanding between the GWU and several African countries, aimed at enhancing cooperation and exchanging expertise.
Noura Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Secretary-General of the GWU, affirmed that the conference reflects H.H. Sheikha Fatima’s directives to foster humanitarian and developmental cooperation globally. She noted that the strategic partnership between the UAE and Africa in women’s affairs is steadily advancing, embodying the depth of cooperation established through signed agreements.
Advancing Women’s Aspirations
Al Suwaidi emphasized the importance of developing programs and initiatives that align with women’s aspirations across various sectors. She reiterated the GWU’s commitment to exchanging expertise and pioneering national policies that support women’s roles in global development.
Engineer Ghalia Ali Al Mannai, Head of Strategic and Development Affairs at the GWU, highlighted that women’s empowerment is crucial for shaping future strategies and achieving sustainable development goals. She acknowledged the UAE’s leadership in creating a global model for involving women in decision-making and policy formulation, attributing this success to the vision of the UAE leadership and the unwavering support of H.H. Sheikha Fatima.
Conference Outcomes
The conference featured a scientific agenda that included three specialized sessions. It concluded with several recommendations aimed at strengthening legislative and digital environments that support women. The discussions also focused on expanding the strategic partnership between the UAE and African countries.
Participants praised H.H. Sheikha Fatima’s historic role in supporting women’s empowerment both regionally and internationally. The conference was viewed as a cornerstone for sustainable cooperation, contributing to a more balanced and prosperous global future.
As reported by www.emirates247.com.
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Published on 2026-05-22 22:38:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk