- The Qatari Businesswomen Association (QBWA) will participate in the WTO Public Forum in Geneva from September 10 to 13, focusing on empowering women in global trade.
- QBWA will host a session titled “Empowering Women: Digitalization for Inclusive Trade,” discussing strategies for enhancing women’s participation in e-commerce and bridging the digital gender divide.
- Amal Al Aathem, renowned Qatari artist and QBWA board member, will present an art exhibition titled “Observers,” aligning with the forum’s theme of rethinking globalization.
- The forum provides a platform for over 2,000 participants, including policymakers and business leaders, to shape the future of global trade.
The Qatari Businesswomen Association (QBWA) is gearing up to participate in a major international business event, the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) Public Forum. Scheduled to take place from September 10 to 13 in Geneva, this year’s forum will revolve around the theme, “Re-Globalization: Better Trade for a Better World.”
QBWA’s involvement in this prestigious event reflects its ongoing commitment to empowering Qatari women in global trade and entrepreneurship.
Commitment to Women’s Empowerment
QBWA’s participation in the WTO Public Forum demonstrates its determination to create opportunities for Qatari women on the international stage. The Association aims to highlight the critical role digitalization plays in advancing women’s inclusion in global trade.
Through this participation, QBWA is emphasizing the importance of leveraging technology to break down barriers that traditionally limit women’s involvement in international business.
Vice Chairwoman of QBWA, Aisha Alfardan, remarked, “Our presence at the WTO Public Forum underscores our dedication to ensuring that Qatari women are well-represented and successful in the global economy. This event gives us a platform to emphasize the importance of digitalization in fostering more inclusive trade practices.”
Panel Discussion on Digitalization and Women’s Empowerment
One of QBWA’s key contributions to the forum will be a panel discussion titled “Empowering Women: Digitalization for Inclusive Trade.” The panel will delve into how digital technologies can transform opportunities for women in global trade.
The discussion will focus on strategies for narrowing the digital gender divide, enabling women to participate more fully in e-commerce, and using digital tools to overcome challenges they often face in traditional industries.
Panelists will explore how the rise of digital services in sectors such as fintech, healthcare, education, and professional services can open new doors for women entrepreneurs. By addressing these opportunities, QBWA aims to inspire more women to take part in the rapidly expanding digital economy and help bridge the gap between male and female participation in these sectors.
A Cultural Contribution: Amal Al Aathem’s Art Exhibition
In addition to participating in policy discussions, QBWA will introduce a cultural element to the event. The association will host an exclusive art exhibition by renowned Qatari artist and QBWA board member, Amal Al Aathem.
The exhibition, titled “Observers,” aligns with the forum’s theme of rethinking globalization’s impact on society. Through her series of thought-provoking artworks, Al Aathem reflects on observation and introspection, encouraging attendees to consider the broader implications of globalization and trade.
Al Aathem explained, “Art allows us to examine the world through a different lens. My exhibition, ‘Observers,’ is about taking a step back and reflecting on how we engage with the world around us. It’s an opportunity to align cultural exploration with discussions on global trade, which is exactly what the WTO forum seeks to achieve.”
A Holistic Approach to Women’s Empowerment
QBWA’s dual approach of combining discussions on policy with cultural contributions highlights its commitment to representing Qatari women in a well-rounded manner on the global stage.
By addressing both the technological and cultural dimensions of globalization, QBWA is ensuring that the voices of Qatari women are heard and their contributions recognized in various sectors.
This involvement at the WTO Public Forum is part of QBWA’s larger strategy to create more inclusive opportunities for women across industries, particularly in areas where technology and creativity intersect. By bringing together women entrepreneurs, artists, and business leaders, QBWA is helping to foster a supportive environment where women can thrive both locally and internationally.
The Importance of the WTO Public Forum
The WTO Public Forum is the organization’s largest annual outreach event, drawing over 2,000 participants from around the world.
It provides a platform for policymakers, civil society representatives, academics, and business leaders to discuss and shape the future of global trade. QBWA’s participation will allow them to interact with these stakeholders and contribute to meaningful conversations about re-globalization and its impact on women in business.
Through its involvement in this significant event, QBWA continues to champion the role of women in international trade and global economic development. By advocating for digitalization and fostering cultural exchange, the association is paving the way for greater inclusion and recognition of women in the evolving global marketplace.
