The United Arab Emirates (UAE) recently participated in the BRICS Women Working Group Meeting and Ministerial Meeting hosted in Kochi, Kerala, from July 6 to 9, 2026. This engagement, under the Republic of India’s BRICS Presidency for 2026, underscores the UAE’s dedication to fostering international collaboration focused on sustainable development initiatives led by women.
Key Discussions and Priority Areas
At the meetings, ministers and officials responsible for women’s affairs from BRICS countries came together to deliberate on the draft BRICS Joint Ministerial Statement. Central to these discussions were four significant focus areas: leadership and governance, financial and digital inclusion, entrepreneurship and skills development, alongside climate action, food security, and nutrition. These topics align with India’s objectives during its BRICS presidency, which aims to amplify the role of women in sustainable growth, economic innovation, and international cooperation.
Her Highness Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Gender Balance Council, emphasized that gender parity is essential for sustainable development and national competitiveness. She articulated that investing in women equates to investing in the future, enabling societies to build innovative economies and resilient institutions that can effectively tackle challenges ahead.
A Commitment to Gender Balance
The UAE reiterated that achieving gender balance goes beyond rhetoric; it requires strong institutions and supportive structures to ensure that women fully participate in economic, social, and decision-making spheres. During the discussions, the UAE shared its comprehensive approach to promoting gender balance through a series of integrated policies and national strategies, including “We the UAE 2031,” the “National Policy for Empowerment of Emirati Women 2023–2031,” and the “UAE Gender Balance Strategy 2027–2031.”
Notably, the UAE showcased its achievements, which have positioned it as a leader in the Arab world. The country ranked first among Arab nations in the Global Gender Gap Report 2025 and regionally in the Gender Inequality Index by the UN Development Programme (UNDP). The discussion included pioneering initiatives like the SDG 5 Pledge, which commits 88 private sector companies to increase women’s representation in managerial roles to 30% by 2028.
Strengthening Partnerships and Future Initiatives
The UAE’s presence in the BRICS meetings highlights its commitment to transforming dialogue into actionable initiatives. It actively engaged in discussions about the draft BRICS Joint Ministerial Statement and the BRICS Guidelines for Building Women’s Digital Capacity. These frameworks emphasize capacity building and practical strategies tailored to the unique needs of member states.
Her Excellency Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice President of the UAE Gender Balance Council, expressed that the BRICS Women’s Track serves as an essential platform for nurturing international dialogue, forming partnerships, and sharing expertise. She stated, “International cooperation is crucial for accelerating progress and translating shared goals into impactful initiatives.”
On the sidelines of the Ministerial Meeting, the UAE delegation also arranged bilateral discussions with representatives from India, Brazil, and Russia. These conversations aimed to enhance collaboration on women’s economic empowerment, entrepreneurship, digital growth, skills training, and climate policies.
Concluding Commitment to Women’s Empowerment
As the UAE concluded its engagement at the BRICS meetings, it proudly endorsed the Joint Ministerial Statement, aligning with measures that bolster international collaboration and gender-inclusive policies. The UAE reaffirmed its commitment to working alongside member states to translate discussions into practical, impactful initiatives.
In closing, the UAE expressed eagerness to deepen cooperation with BRICS nations and other international allies to facilitate knowledge sharing and support joint efforts that advance gender balance, empower women, and contribute to a more sustainable future for all.