The United Arab Emirates, represented by its Gender Balance Council, took a prominent role at the BRICS Women Working Group and Ministerial Meetings in Kochi, India, from July 6 to 9, 2026, advocating for policies that strengthen women’s participation in sustainable development, economic innovation, and international cooperation.
The delegation’s participation underscored the UAE’s commitment to translating global dialogue into actionable outcomes. Held under India’s 2026 BRICS presidency, the meetings brought together ministers and officials from member states to finalize a joint ministerial statement and address four 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, described gender balance as “a fundamental pillar for achieving sustainable development and enhancing the competitiveness of nations.” In a statement, she emphasized that investing in women is an investment in the future of societies, building more innovative economies and resilient institutions.
“The United Arab Emirates believes that international partnerships, constructive dialogue and the exchange of expertise are essential elements for accelerating progress and translating commitments into practical and sustainable outcomes,” Sheikha Manal said. She commended India’s leadership in fostering constructive dialogue and developing results aligned with shared development priorities.
A Track Record of Progress
The UAE presented its national experience through an integrated policy framework, including We the UAE 2031, the National Policy for Empowerment of Emirati Women 2023–2031, and the UAE Gender Balance Strategy 2027–2031. The country highlighted achievements in leadership, diplomacy, entrepreneurship, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and climate action.
These efforts have yielded measurable results. The UAE ranks first among Arab countries in the Global Gender Gap Report 2025 and first regionally in the Gender Inequality Index issued by the United Nations Development Programme.
A flagship initiative, the SDG 5 Pledge, has secured commitments from 88 private sector companies to increase women’s representation in middle and senior management to 30% by 2028. The UAE also showcased family-support programs, capacity-building in technology and AI, and initiatives boosting women’s participation in climate action.
Strategic Platform for Change
Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice President of the UAE Gender Balance Council, called the BRICS Women’s Track “a strategic platform for strengthening international dialogue, building partnerships, and exchanging expertise.” She stressed that international cooperation is vital for accelerating progress and transforming shared ambitions into tangible impact.
The UAE engaged in discussions on the draft joint ministerial statement, as well as the BRICS Guidelines for Building Women’s Digital Capacity and a shared digital library of best practices—tools designed to support capacity building and develop practical solutions responsive to member states’ priorities.
Mouza Al Ghuwais Al Suwaidi, Secretary General of the Council, affirmed the UAE’s approach of turning dialogue into initiatives. “We look forward to building on the outcomes of this meeting by expanding partnerships, exchanging expertise, and working with our partners to transform our shared vision into initiatives and policies that deliver sustainable impact,” she said.
Bilateral Engagements and Next Steps
On the sidelines, the UAE delegation held bilateral meetings with India’s Union Minister for Women and Child Development Annapurna Devi, Brazil’s Minister of Women Márcia Lopes, and Russia’s First Deputy Labour and Social Protection Minister Olga Batalina. Discussions focused on boosting women’s economic empowerment, entrepreneurship, the digital economy, skills development, and climate and care policies.
The UAE welcomed the adoption of the joint ministerial statement and reaffirmed its commitment to working with member states to translate outcomes into practical partnerships. As the country concluded its participation, it reiterated its eagerness to deepen cooperation with BRICS nations and international partners, promoting knowledge exchange and joint initiatives that advance gender balance and empower women globally.
For readers interested in tracking gender equality progress, the UAE Gender Balance Council publishes regular updates on national strategies and international engagements. The council’s work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goal 5, offering a model for other nations seeking to accelerate women’s leadership across sectors.