Belgrade:The UAE Gender Balance Council participated in the Second International High-Level Political Conference on the Political and Economic Empowerment of Women, RISE 2026, in Belgrade, Serbia, on October 7. The event, themed 'Building Alliances for Rising Generations,' gathered government officials, ministers, and representatives from international organizations and the private sector to promote women's roles in development and decision-making.
According to Emirates News Agency, Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice President of the UAE Gender Balance Council, delivered a keynote address and participated in a closed ministerial roundtable. She highlighted the UAE's progress in gender balance through various legislation, policies, and practices that enhance women's leadership and economic participation.
H.H. Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Gender Balance Council, emphasized the UAE's commitment to learning from global experiences to develop policies that advance women’s participation. She affirmed that the UAE's gender balance achievements are part of a comprehensive vision that integrates women’s participation into the country's development strategy.
In her address, Al Marri discussed the UAE's focus on expanding women's opportunities in leadership, strengthening accountability, and aligning education with career opportunities, especially in light of technological advancements. She also spoke about the UAE Gender Balance Index, which measures progress and institutional performance in gender balance.
The Council's delegation, which included Mouza Mohammed Al Ghuwais Al Suwaidi, Secretary-General of the Council, engaged in bilateral meetings with officials from Cyprus, Egypt, Nigeria, Libya, and Serbia. These discussions aimed to exchange expertise, identify shared priorities, and explore cooperation opportunities in gender balance and women's empowerment.