UAE Launches Overseas Councils for Emirati Women Entrepreneurs

• The GWU announced that it will set up Emirati Women Entrepreneurs Councils in partner countries 
• The initial council event will occur in China, as mentioned by the UAE Embassy obtained by The National 

The Global Women's Union (GWU) is establishing councils for Emirati Women Entrepreneurs in partner countries, with China hosting the first council, as announced by the #United Arab Emirates (UAE) Embassy in Beijing.  

The initiative is taking place under the Patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, "The Mother of the Nation", that will enhance the relationship of economic and development cooperation with the UAE and friendly countries, supporting the advancement of women and entrepreneurship.  

The UAE Embassy said that the councils will support women's economic participation in the global economy through shared investment initiatives, and enhance the achievement of United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to gender equality, promoting decent work, global economic growth, industry and innovation more generally.  

The councils will be important to enhance international cooperation, while confirming the UAE's continued commitment to the empowerment of women and sustainable development. 

The inaugural council in this format has now been established in China under the auspices of a two-week experience entitled "Emirati Women Entrepreneurs: Explore the Business Landscape in China."  

Sponsored in partnership with the UAE Embassy in Beijing, the university will begin next month and will include various sessions in Beijing, Hangzhou, Shanghai and Yiwu. 

Her Excellency Noura Al Suwaidi, Secretary-General of the GWU, stated, The councils aim to improve the international stature of Emirati women entrepreneurs by building sustainable institutional platforms to connect Emirati women entrepreneurs to their global peers, and foster the exchange of knowledge, partnerships, and cross-border innovation. 

The effort embodies the UAE leadership vision in forging international partnerships, as well as elevating women's roles in economic and development sectors at the regional and international level, said Amna Al Hammadi, Deputy Ambassador of the UAE to China. 

In a statement, Ghalia Ali Al-Mannai, Head of Strategic and Development Affairs at the GWU also remarked that the UAE-China council is a historic accomplishment and a stepping stone in expanding the international network of Emirati women entrepreneurs. He also added that the initiative will open new doors for trading, investing, and sustaining collaboration.