DUBAI — “Women all over the world (not just the Middle East have not yet achieved their goals, and we must all work together to improve the role of women in both work and life. The UAE government is supporting women, which is very important (for the country) as change is being initiated from the very top. This is helping women achieve a lot, and the next step is for women themselves — and their families — to support their peers and family,” Princess Ameerah Al-Taweel, Vice Chairwoman and Secretary General of Alwaleed Bin Talal Foundations, said here Wednesday. She was addressing the media at the Women in Leadership Forum Middle East & Africa. Princess Ameerah also presented trophies to the five winners of the WIL Achievement Awards. The winners were: Leading Businesswoman of the Year: Donna Sultan, CEO of KEO International Consultants, Qatar Most Innovative Entrepreneur of the Year: Dr. Anna Zickerman-Quinn, founder and Medical Director of Up and Running Integrated Sports Medical Center Most Women-Friendly Employer: Pfizer Male Champion of Change: Moritz P. Hartmann, General Manager, Roche Diagnostics Middle East, and Leading Woman in Public Sector: Suhair Al Ali, former Senator and Minister of Planning of Jordan A highlight of the morning's second day was a panel discussion entitled Champions of change — engaging men in diversity challenges. During the hour-long debate, Moritz P. Hartmann stressed: “The only way to innovate is through diversity and inclusion, which we firmly believe has a direct effect on profit. Diversity is a journey, not a conclusion, because it is something that has to become part of the organization's culture. We diversify by age, nationality and gender. You create a diversified culture by getting out of your comfort zone, living diversity, and enjoying the continuing journey.” Endorsed by Dr. Maitha Salem Al-Shamsi, Minister of State, UAE, and organized by French business information group naseba, the comprehensive agenda is exploring a variety of relevant themes including Emiratization, diversity and inclusion, youth development and sustainability. — SG
