Post by : Bianca
Haleem
The UAE Gender Balance Council has commenced a national dialogue aimed at shaping the UAE Gender Balance Strategy for the years 2027 to 2031. This gathering included over 100 representatives from various government agencies and private-sector organizations affiliated with the SDG 5 Pledge initiative.
The purpose of this dialogue was to solicit input, advice, and insights from essential stakeholders to help formulate future policies that will enhance gender balance, promote sustainable development, and bolster the UAE’s competitiveness on a global stage.
Exploring Future Opportunities and National Objectives
Through a series of interactive workshops and discussions, attendees examined national objectives and future avenues to improve gender balance across various sectors.
Key topics of discussion revolved around significant trends poised to influence the future, including:
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Artificial Intelligence (AI)
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The emerging economy
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The evolution of work
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Broader societal participation
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Enhancements in quality of life
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National competitiveness
Conversations focused on how these domains can generate new opportunities while ensuring equal participation and leadership throughout the community.
Pillars of the Upcoming Strategy
The forthcoming Gender Balance Strategy 2027–2031 will emphasize several key pillars:
It aims to enhance educational opportunities, skill acquisition, and career paths, while fostering family support systems, shared caregiving roles, and improved work-life harmony. The strategy will address health and well-being needs at all life stages, encourage leadership development, promote inclusive workplace cultures, and support entrepreneurship as well as financial inclusion. Additionally, it will equip individuals and organizations for the future economy by focusing on emerging technologies, including AI. Stakeholders discussed identifying crucial challenges and opportunities and suggested actionable solutions to ensure future initiatives yield sustainable and impactful results.
New Entities Join the SDG 5 Pledge Initiative
The dialogue also welcomed eight fresh participants into the SDG 5 Pledge initiative, including:
With these new members, the initiative now comprises 88 national and international organizations operating within the UAE.
This increase in participation showcases a growing commitment from the private sector to endorse equal opportunities, inclusive environments, and sustainable business practices.
Advancing UAE's Gender Balance Achievements
This latest strategy is a continuation of the UAE’s dedicated efforts to enhance gender balance through various policies, legislations, and initiatives that have widened opportunities for women in multiple fields.
The UAE Gender Balance Council has asserted that this new strategy aims to foster innovative solutions for future preparedness while promoting sustainable development and enhancing quality of life.
Sheikha Manal Emphasizes Gender Balance Significance
H.H. Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the President of the UAE Gender Balance Council, pointed out that maintaining gender balance is crucial for sustainable development and national competitiveness.
She highlighted that the UAE leadership remains committed to investing in people, as they are key to development and future advancement. The Gender Balance Strategy 2027–2031 will build on existing accomplishments and implement innovative policies that reinforce the UAE’s standing as a worldwide leader in gender balance.
Enhancing Partnerships for Future Achievements
H.E. Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice President of the UAE Gender Balance Council, noted that the UAE has created a solid foundation for gender balance via progressive laws, increased representation in decision-making, and enhanced collaboration between public and private sectors.
She mentioned that the upcoming phase will emphasize measurable impacts in workplaces, nurturing career development, leadership prospects, and institutional readiness for the future economy.
Quality of Life Central to the Strategy
H.E. Mouza Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Secretary General of the UAE Gender Balance Council, underscored that this strategy is aligned with both economic and social progress while placing a strong emphasis on quality of life and future preparedness.
She stated that promoting family-centered workplace environments is essential for helping individuals manage both professional and family obligations, thereby enhancing productivity, family stability, and long-term social sustainability.
Launch of Family-Friendly Workplace Award 2026
The UAE Gender Balance Council has also announced the opening of nominations for the Family-Friendly Workplace Award for 2026.
This award will be exclusively available to organizations that are signatories of the SDG 5 Pledge. It aims to honor companies that have effectively implemented family-oriented workplace policies, fostered work-life balance, and made positive contributions to both employees and society.
This national dialogue represents a significant milestone in the crafting of the UAE Gender Balance Strategy for 2027–2031. With strong engagement from both government entities and private-sector participants, the initiative seeks to establish actionable and proactive policies that enhance gender balance, uplift quality of life, and fortify the UAE's position as a competitive and future-ready nation.
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