18th UAE-Japan Friendship Committee for Women Forum Held in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi, The Gulf Observer: Under the directives of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union (GWU), President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF), the 18th UAE-Japan Friendship Committee for Women (FCW) forum convened in Abu Dhabi. Themed “A Sustainable Future: Integrating Technology & Diversity,” the forum focused on empowering women in the energy sector.
The event emphasized encouraging aspiring female leaders to pursue education and careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and highlighted the importance of cross-sector collaboration, best practices, and policies that support women’s empowerment in the energy sector.
Distinguished attendees included Dr. Maitha bint Salem Al Shamsi, Minister of State and FCW Chairwoman; Tsuyoshi Nakai, CEO of the Japan Cooperation Centre for Petroleum (JCCP); Yasser Al Mazrouie, ADNOC Executive Director of People, Commercial and Corporate Support; and Fatema Al Nuaimi, ADNOC Executive Vice President of Downstream Business Management.
Dr. Maitha Al Shamsi conveyed the greetings of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, emphasizing Her Highness’ support for the committee and her dedication to reviewing the workshop results and progress towards the forum’s goals. Dr. Al Shamsi highlighted Sheikha Fatima’s commitment to advancing women in leadership positions and enhancing UAE-Japan cooperation and women’s development in both countries.
“With the acceleration of scientific and technological progress, sustainability has become a common concern for all countries, whether exporters or consumers,” Dr. Al Shamsi said. “Women form an important part of the workforces that oil and gas companies seek to attract. Supporting these women through training, advanced technological practices, guidance programs, and leadership development is essential for creating an inclusive work environment that provides equal opportunities for all employees.”
The forum featured workshops and discussions on best practices and policies to support women’s well-being. Attendees explored topics such as technology, well-being, and sustainability, underscoring women’s pivotal role in leading the transition towards a more sustainable energy sector.
Tsuyoshi Nakai stated, “The 18th forum underscored the importance of promoting inclusive practices to empower women in the energy sector. The FCW enabled us to develop our mutual efforts to overcome the challenges that face women in the industry and will continue to strengthen bilateral strategic ties between the UAE and Japan.”
The event celebrated diversity and inclusion, encouraging cross-sector collaboration to address challenges faced by women in the energy sector. The FCW aims to create a more inclusive and diverse workforce by providing platforms for cooperation and knowledge sharing.
Yasser Al Mazrouie expressed gratitude to the FCW for fostering cross-cultural dialogue and collaboration. “At ADNOC, we are committed to empowering our female employees to reach their full potential and to play an active role in shaping the future of the energy sector,” he said.
Fatema Al Nuaimi noted the robust partnership between ADNOC and Japan. “The principles of efficiency and sustainability are deeply embedded in every facet of ADNOC’s organization. Together we are committed to forging a more sustainable, inclusive, and technologically advanced future,” she said.
The renewed partnership continues to drive societal transformation and advance women’s roles and opportunities in the energy sector, emphasizing their impact and importance across various fields and wider society.
