Chairman's Message

As AIWF’s 10th anniversary year draws to a close, the sound recognition and acknowledgment of the Forum’s achievements expressed throughout the course of our Special 10th Anniversary Programme allows the Forum to move forward with confidence and enthusiasm with our theme of  Emerging Economies, Emerging Leaderships.

This landmark year has brought even closer collaboration with our valued global partners, members and many other esteemed supporters and, as Chairman and on behalf of the Board of Trustees of the Arab International Women’s Forum, I would like to acknowledge the great strength and support  that AIWF has received from working and cooperating with distinguished corporate, institutional, academic and media partners and from interacting with governments, the diplomatic services, political and economic forums, global institutions and organisations.

AIWF is proud to be at the forefront of international empowerment discourse, advocating sustainable, responsible change and ensuring that the rights and achievements of women are not forgotten in an uncertain global economic and political climate.

The Arab Spring has provided a major opportunity to enlarge and enhance the role played by women to achieve morestable and prosperous communities throughout the Middle East and North Africa.  What is particularly important to ensure is that the gains made by Arab women before the Arab Spring – in education and in appointments as government ministers as well as their roles in many areas – are not erased.  The Arab world is facing a renaissance and it must mobilise all its resources, including women and youth, to work towards achieving its full potential.

The AIWF calendar becomes ever busier as we forge an increasing number of meaningful partnerships and alliances in our bid to help to create the conditions for women’s progress, both within the region and internationally, thereby helping to ensure continued prosperity for women across the globe.  AIWF’s successful mission so far is testament to the power of partnership, and we firmly believe that it is only by working together, co-operating with our partners in civil society and the international community, that we can truly effect real change, shape a better future and achieve sustained growth and development for women, their families and their communities.

Haifa Fahoum Al Kaylani

Founder Chairman, Arab International Women’s Forum