18th UAE-Japan Forum Focuses On Empowering Women In Sustainable Energy Sector

The 18th UAE-Japan Friendship Committee for Women (FCW) forum, aimed at empowering women to contribute to the sustainable energy sector, was held under the directives of Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak (The Mother of the Nation) in Abu Dhabi.

Fatima bint Mubarak also serves as the 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 forum - held under the theme of "A Sustainable Future: Integrating Technology & Diversity" - encouraged aspiring female leaders to pursue energy-related education and careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

The event highlighted the significance of cross-sector collaboration, best practices, and policies that support women's empowerment in the energy sector.

Dr. Maitha bint Salem Al Shamsi, Minister of State and FCW Chairwoman; Tsuyoshi Nakai, CEO of the Japan Cooperation Centre for Petroleum (JCCP); Fatema Al Nuaimi, ADNOC Executive Vice President of Downstream Business Management; and Yasser Al Mazrouie, ADNOC Executive Director of People, Commercial and Corporate Support, were present at the event.

Speaking at the event, Al Shamsi praised Fatima bint Mubarak's desire to review the results of the workshops and the progress toward the set goals. She also highlighted the dedication toward advancing the role of women in leadership, supervisory, and executive positions.

"With the acceleration of scientific and technological progress, and developments in collaborative areas within the energy sector, sustainability has become a common concern for all countries, whether exporters or consumers," Al Shamsi said, according to WAM.

She further said that women are an important part of the workforce that oil and gas companies want to attract. To support these women, it is important to offer training, advanced technology, guidance programs, and leadership development.

Nakai, on the other hand, said this forum highlighted the importance of promoting inclusive practices to empower women in the energy sector, noting that the FCW enabled it to put effort into overcoming the challenges that face women while continuing to strengthen bilateral strategic ties between the UAE and Japan.

Al Mazrouie thanked FCW for fostering cross-cultural dialogue, collaboration, and friendship between the two countries, noting that ADNOC is committed to empowering and enabling our female employees to reach their full potential.