Al Mansouri Inaugurates WIL Economic Forum 2014

Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansouri, UAE Minister of Economy, today inaugurated the 16th edition of the Women In Leadership Economic Forum (WIL) in Dubai, which seeks to discuss issues relevant to women’s empowerment in today’s dynamic business landscape.

The WIL Forum, held under the patronage of the UAE Ministry of Economy, is organised under the patronage of United Nations Global Compact, Women in Global Business and the GCC Board Directors Institute.

In his keynote speech, Sultan Al Mansouri commended the progress achieved by the country to date, saying, "The UAE as a nation has registered significant milestones in women's empowerment.

I am very proud to share that the UAE has been ranked number one in the world for respecting women according to a report launched by the World Economic Forum’s Global Agenda Council." "We are also ranked first among Arab countries in enabling women in leadership and in parliament according to the Women Studies Centre at the Arab Women Establishment in Paris." Emphasising the importance of supporting the economic empowerment of women, Cherie Blair, Founder, Cherie Blair Foundation for Women, said: "Women’s economic empowerment is not an option, it is imperative to make societies succeed.

Women here are recognising the benefit of becoming an entrepreneur and there are an ever-increasing number of success stories of women who run their own businesses in the UAE. From my experience, it shows that if you give women the right tools, they will absolutely finish the job." Margery Kraus, Chairperson of the event and Founder and Chief Executive Officer of APCO Worldwide, said, "That the UAE has swiftly elevated the status of its women within four decades of nationhood speaks volumes for the effective vision of its leadership.

Still, in the wise words of Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, ‘the road to excellence is a never-ending journey.’ And the UAE has an exciting road ahead." Speaking on the theme of the current session, Sophie Le Ray, founder of WIL and CEO of Naseba, organisers of the event, said, "At this year’s WIL conference, the focus is on knocking down stereotypes and debating the real-life issues women face as they climb the professional ladder.

We hope WIL acts as a springboard for new ideas and helps bring about a paradigm shift in conversations regarding gender parity." The inaugural day concluded with an award ceremony that recognised business leaders and organizations for their outstanding contributions to economic development through their focus on women in leadership.

Among others, HRH Sheikha Hissah Saad Abdulah Salem Al-Sabah, Chairperson of the Council of Arab Businesswomen Kuwait, was honoured for her work as a leading woman in the public sector. Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansouri and Cherie Blair each received honourary achievement awards to mark their contributions to empowering women in their respective fields.