We live in a small world. What happens in one part of the world affects people elsewhere and can have far-reaching consequences. Recent global events have further highlighted the interconnectedness of humanity and the ineffectiveness of borders. But the same interconnectedness offers us an excellent opportunity to unite in solidarity and shape a brighter future for everyone.

Breaking down geographical barriers and cultural prejudices has the potential to drive significant positive change in various fields, including promoting gender equality. Conversations, debates, dialogue and deliberations form the core of this progress. And that is what we aim to deliver with the Gender Balance Forum and the Women in Government Forum, both of which are part of the World Government Summit 2023 being held in Dubai this week.

The two forums are held under the patronage of Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, president of the UAE Gender Balance Council, 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. Sheikha Manal is a strong proponent of women’s empowerment in the UAE and worldwide.

She has been the driving force behind the UAE Gender Balance Council, and has been instrumental in efforts to empower women and establish a culture that encourages gender diversity in the workplace.

Influential international personalities and thought leaders will convene at the two forums to catalyze new discussions on the significance of gender balance and women’s advancement in the pursuit of sustainable development.

The global platform of WGS 2023 is well-suited for addressing the pressing global concern of gender equality, which is a critical component of economic growth and the key to creating a thriving, sustainable society. In a world where women make up half of the population, it is crucial that they have equal opportunities to reach their full potential and contribute to the growth and development of our societies.

Dialogue is the engine of change in the journey toward gender balance. Let us engage, listen and act to create a world that values all genders equally.

Mona Al-Marri

The Women in Government Forum will highlight the pivotal role women play in forming the world’s future development plan. The insightful conversations will also encourage a new cohort of female leaders to take an active role in shaping the future in various sectors.

Discussions at the Gender Balance Forum will offer valuable insights into innovative approaches, systems and programs. Women worldwide face the same barriers and challenges of inequality. Such global forums have the potential to counter these challenges and accelerate the advancement of gender balance.

The two forums have been crafted to facilitate a productive exchange of ideas on advancing gender balance and realizing UN Sustainable Development Goal 5, which concerns gender equality and empowering women and girls.

The forums will bring attention to the crucial role women play in driving positive social and economic transformation and will emphasize their impact on critical global matters such as sustainability, which will be a central topic of discussion at the World Government Summit.

Partnerships between local, regional and international organizations can help to bridge the global gender gap. In the UAE, we have used insights and recommendations from international organizations such as the UN Development Program, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, the World Bank, and World Economic Forum to set benchmarks and policies that promote gender equality. Through our efforts at the UAE Gender Balance Council and the UAE as a whole, we hope to create a replicable model of gender balance that other nations in the region can adapt.

We are committed to bringing about a cultural shift in the UAE and across the region, wherein gender balance is ingrained in every aspect of society, and there is real change across all sectors and domains. Dialogue is the engine of change in the journey toward gender balance. Let us engage, listen and act to create a world that values all genders equally.

• Mona Al-Marri is vice president of the UAE Gender Balance Council.