Page 58 - KHALIFA FUND PR REPORT APRIL 2025

She highlighted initiatives like the SWAN programme launched by Khalifa Fund, which trains Emirati
women Entrepreneurs, and the SDG 5 Pledge, which promote leadership opportunities and
business growth for women across sectors. She called on BRICS nations to expand mentorship
networks and create cross-border platforms for women entrepreneurs.

Speaking on “Digital Governance and Misogyny,” Mona Al Marri stressed the need for inclusive and
ethical digital spaces. Women thrive in STEM fields in the UAE, making up 56% of STEM graduates
and 80% of the Mars Mission science team.

She noted strong UAE legislation against online abuse while highlighting the UAE’s pioneering
efforts in protecting women online, stating, “We’ve enacted strong laws to combat cyber
harassment, hate speech, and misinformation. But we must go further and work together
internationally to create safer, more inclusive digital spaces.” The UAE works closely with tech
platforms to raise global standards and empower women in the digital economy.

Mona Al Marri emphasised women’s growing role in UAE climate leadership in the climate session.
At COP28, women held two-thirds of the UAE delegation’s leadership roles. Women now make up
30% of the energy workforce.

She spotlighted the UAE’s international initiatives, like the Climate Change and Gender Equality
Initiative with UN Women. She encouraged BRICS countries to share strategies, invest in green
skills, and support women-led climate innovation.

For her part, Aparecida Gonçalves, highlighted the UAE’s exemplary achievements in promoting
gender balance and recognised its advanced standing on the global stage in this field. She
described the UAE as a pioneering model whose experience offers valuable lessons for the
international community. She expressed her strong desire to deepen collaboration with the UAE
Gender Balance Council to help advance shared global goals for equality and empowerment.

On the sidelines of the BRICS Ministerial Meeting on Women's Affairs, Mona Al Marri met with
Aparecida Gonçalves, Brazil’s Minister of Women. The meeting focused on exploring avenues for
cooperation and exchanging expertise in gender balance.

Mona Al Marri extended her appreciation to Brazil for its warm hospitality and the well-organized
hosting of the meeting. She also commended the agenda’s comprehensive topics, which reflect
Brazil’s commitment to enhancing collaboration among BRICS nations in advancing gender
balance.

For her part, Aparecida Gonçalves praised the UAE’s pioneering achievements in gender balance
and its globally recognised leadership in this area. She described the UAE as a model to be
emulated and expressed a keen interest in strengthening cooperation with the UAE Gender Balance
Council to help accelerate international progress in this field.

During the visit, Saleh Ahmed Al Suwaidi, UAE Ambassador to Brazil, welcomed Mona Al Marri in
the presence of Mouza Mohammed Al Ghuwais Al Suwaidi, Secretary-General of the UAE Gender
Balance Council, and Maitha Al Hashimi, Director of Strategic Studies and Legislation.

Saleh Al Suwaidi commended the Council’s active engagement in this prominent international
platform and its role in reinforcing the UAE’s global standing in competitiveness indicators. Mona Al

https://www.wam.ae/en/article/bjcu34c-uae-committed-shaping-just-secure-digital-future