UAE-Kuwait Women's Forum Inaugurated in Abu Dhabi, Marking New Era of Cooperation
The first-ever UAE–Kuwaiti Women’s Forum officially opened in Abu Dhabi on Thursday, heralding a significant new chapter in bilateral relations with a dedicated focus on advancing women’s empowerment, promoting sustainable development, and cultivating future leadership. This landmark event is being held under the esteemed patronage of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, widely revered as the “Mother of the Nation”.
Synergy with 'Brothers Forever' Week and Strategic Objectives
The forum's launch strategically coincides with the ‘UAE–Kuwait: Brothers Forever’ Week, which spans from January 29 to February 4, symbolizing the deep-rooted fraternal bonds between the two nations. Organized through a collaborative effort between the General Women’s Union and Kuwait’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the forum will continue its proceedings until February 3. It convenes a distinguished assembly of women leaders, key policymakers, and various stakeholders from both the UAE and Kuwait.
The primary aim of this gathering is to reinforce the longstanding fraternal ties while simultaneously expanding cooperative efforts in domains where women are increasingly playing a central and transformative role in national development and sustainability agendas.
Opening Address and Vision Alignment
An impactful opening address was delivered on behalf of H.H. Sheikha Fatima by Noura Khalifa Al Suwaidi, the Secretary-General of the General Women’s Union. In her remarks, she characterized the forum as a tangible reflection of the UAE’s steadfast belief in joint action and integrated efforts to construct a more prosperous and inclusive future for all.
The address emphasized that this significant initiative is in perfect alignment with the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, which consistently highlight cooperation, inclusion, and shared progress as fundamental pillars of sustainable development. It further underscored the profound depth of relations between the UAE and Kuwait, portraying the forum as a vital meeting point that bridges a shared historical legacy with a future shaped through proactive collaboration.
A key highlight was the convergence of the UAE’s forward-looking “Mother of the Nation 50:50” vision with Kuwait’s ambitious “Kuwait 2035” vision. This synergy reinforces a mutual conviction that investing in human capital, particularly women, remains absolutely central to building stable, resilient, and prosperous societies. In this context, the substantial and commendable contributions of Kuwaiti women to their nation's development were explicitly acknowledged and praised.
A Qualitative Milestone and Forum Structure
Al Suwaidi articulated that the forum represents a qualitative milestone in Emirati–Kuwaiti cooperation, one that strengthens institutional coordination and opens broader horizons for joint work dedicated to supporting women’s issues and driving sustainable development across multiple sectors.
To maximize participation and inclusivity, the forum is being conducted in a hybrid format, seamlessly combining in-person and virtual engagements. This approach is designed to widen the scope of dialogue and foster greater engagement. The event seeks to prominently highlight the pivotal role of Emirati and Kuwaiti women in:
- Strengthening historic bilateral ties.
- Exchanging valuable expertise and best practices.
- Fostering substantive discussions among women leaders on priority issues, emerging challenges, and future opportunities.
Comprehensive Agenda and Accompanying Exhibition
The forum's program is both comprehensive and forward-looking, featuring two main sessions that cover a wide spectrum of critical themes, including:
- Women and future-making.
- The intersection of women and advanced technology.
- Roles in peace and security.
- Women’s sport.
- Women’s influence in media, tourism, logistics, and supply chains.
Notably, discussions also encompass vital areas like climate action and renewable energy, reflecting the expanding and dynamic scope of women’s participation across strategic and emerging sectors globally.
Running parallel to the forum is a five-day accompanying exhibition hosted at the headquarters of the General Women’s Union. This exhibition serves as a vibrant showcase for:
- Innovative women-led initiatives.
- Projects from productive families.
- Small and emerging businesses.
- Rich cultural and heritage displays from both nations.
Collectively, these exhibits powerfully underscore the instrumental role women play in preserving cultural heritage and transforming it into sustainable economic and social value, thereby reinforcing the forum's broader objectives of empowerment and sustainable development.
