Abu dhabi: The United Arab Emirates, represented by the UAE Gender Balance Council, actively participated in the BRICS Women Working Group Meeting and BRICS Women Ministerial Meeting from July 6 to 9, 2026, in Kochi, Kerala, India. The meetings were part of India's BRICS Presidency for 2026.
According to Emirates News Agency, the participation underscores the UAE's commitment to fostering international cooperation and supporting policies aimed at promoting women-led sustainable development. The meetings convened ministers and officials from BRICS member states to deliberate on the draft BRICS Joint Ministerial Statement, focusing on key priority areas: leadership and governance, financial and digital inclusion, entrepreneurship and skills development, and climate action, food security, and nutrition.
H.H. Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Gender Balance Council, emphasized that gender balance is fundamental for sustainable development and enhancing national competitiveness. She highlighted that investing in women is crucial for building innovative economies and resilient institutions capable of facing future challenges. She commended India's efforts during its BRICS Women's Track Presidency, which facilitated constructive dialogue and coordination among member states.
The UAE reiterated its stance that gender balance is essential for sustainable development and societal and economic resilience. It showcased its national achievements in advancing gender balance through policies like We the UAE 2031, the National Policy for Empowerment of Emirati Women 2023-2031, and the UAE Gender Balance Strategy 2027-2031. The UAE's progress in leadership, diplomacy, entrepreneurship, digital transformation, and climate action has bolstered its regional and international standing.
The UAE's initiatives, such as the SDG 5 Pledge, family-support programs, and capacity-building initiatives in technology and AI, underline its commitment to gender balance. Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice President of the UAE Gender Balance Council, remarked on the strategic importance of the BRICS Women's Track for fostering international dialogue and building partnerships to support inclusive and sustainable policies.
Mouza Al Ghuwais Al Suwaidi, Secretary General of the UAE Gender Balance Council, affirmed the UAE's approach to transforming international dialogue into practical initiatives for gender balance and women's empowerment. Bilateral meetings with officials from India, Brazil, and Russia explored opportunities for cooperation in women's economic empowerment and other key areas.
The UAE welcomed the adoption of the Joint Ministerial Statement, emphasizing its support for initiatives expanding women's participation in sustainable development. The UAE reiterated its dedication to collaborating with BRICS member states and international partners to promote knowledge exchange and support joint initiatives that advance gender balance and contribute to a sustainable future.