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DUBAI, 6th December, 2022 (WAM) — Fifteen US companies in the UAE private sector, members of the American Chamber of Commerce in Abu Dhabi, have signed a pledge to accelerate the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG 5) to promote gender equality in the UAE increase the representation of women in leadership roles through focused efforts to ensure their full and effective participation at the highest levels of decision-making. SDG 5’s commitment to accelerate women’s leadership in the UAE’s private sector is a key public-private partnership. The initiative has quickly become a landmark project for the UAE government.
The pledge was signed on 23 November at a ceremony organized by the UAE Gender Balance Council (UAE GBC), in partnership with the American Chamber of Commerce in Abu Dhabi. Shamsa Saleh, Secretary-General of GBC, UAE attended the ceremony; Liz Beneski, CEO of AmCham Abu Dhabi, VADM (retired) Bob Harward, Chairman of the Board of Directors of AmCham Abu Dhabi, and member of the Board of Directors of AmCham Abu Dhabi; Christina Struller, Lina Lampkin, Courtney Sader, Rula Dajani and representatives of 15 US companies from the UAE private sector.
The companies that signed the pledge are all members of the American Chamber of Commerce in Abu Dhabi, including: Emerson, Accenture, L3Harris, Mediclinic Middle East, Fragomen, Boeing, Oshkosh Defense, Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, EVAP Investment LLC, Viatris, Abu Dhabi Park Hyatt, Andaz Capital Gate Abu Dhabi, Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi and NYU Abu Dhabi.
The companies have expressed their commitment to accelerate the achievement of SDG 5, and the signatories said they are proud to be part of an initiative that will help improve the UAE’s global competitiveness, close the gender gap and realize the UAE leadership’s vision for the future.
The signatories underscored their commitment to working with the UAE GBC to achieve this goal and expressed their determination to increase the proportion and representation of women in leadership positions by fostering a culture that encourages all employees to reach their full potential. They committed to take key actions by 2025 to strengthen gender balance in leadership positions by: ensuring equal pay and fair pay practices; promoting gender-responsive recruitment and promotion; mainstreaming gender balance through policies and programmes; The government’s progress remains transparent.
Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, wife of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the UAE Gender Balance Committee, Chairman of Dubai Women’s Agency, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidential Office of the UAE His Highness bin Rashid Al Maktoum commended the willingness of the companies and the determination of the UAE private sector to support the UAE’s commitment and continued pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals. She highlighted the key role of the private sector in supporting the government’s efforts to strengthen gender balance in the UAE for economic prosperity, social stability and sustainable growth.
HH Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said: “The UAE has always prioritized and has always strived to achieve gender balance by encouraging and giving women opportunities to succeed. As our Founding Father Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan Al Nahyan once said; “Women are half of society; no nation that seeks to develop should keep her in poverty or illiteracy” which is why through this commitment we aim to continue taking the necessary steps to achieve gender balance , to ensure women’s active participation in decision-making at all levels and equal opportunities to lead – to contribute in political, economic and public life.”
HH Sheikha Manal bint Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum also said: “Our wise leadership has a progressive vision for the UAE to become a global leader in gender balance and accelerate women’s participation in the UAE private sector through the willingness of companies to sign up to SDG 5 commitments. sector – the UAE will be able to leverage this important public-private partnership to bridge the gender balance gap.” HH Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum emphasized that the Council will continue to work towards the important vision of the UAE Gender Balance Strategy, which Aims to position the country as a global model for gender balance.
Mona Al Marri, Vice-Chairman of the UAE GBC, emphasized that the gender balance agenda is a priority for the UAE government and that the private sector is an indispensable partner in achieving economic and social equality. She stressed that the power of partnerships should not be underestimated. HE Mona Al Marri said: “This is a landmark moment. Some of the largest US companies in the UAE in strategically important industries have publicly committed to the 30% target. I commend you for prioritizing this within your organization , and recognize the numerous benefits of more equitable leadership.”
Mona Al Marri added: “Your commitment to meaningfully and sustainably advancing gender equality is important to us. Thank you for being a valued partner with the UAE Government.”
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