Sheikh Mohammed attends opening session of Global Women's Forum

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has attended the opening session of Global Women's Forum on Sunday.

He was accompanied by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai.

The opening session featured addresses by David Malpass, World Bank Group President, Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, and Ivanka Trump, Advisor to the US President.

.@HHShkMohd, accompanied by @HamdanMohammed, attends the official opening of the Global Women's Forum Dubai 2020, which is organised by @DubaiWomenEst and runs for 2 days, hosting 3,000 participants. #GWFD2020 pic.twitter.com/DSUcqCqwc8

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) February 16, 2020

In his opening remarks, Malpass estimated that in MENA, "increasing female labour-force participation to the levels of men could boost regional GDP by 47 per cent.

"Currently, $575 billion in regional income is lost because of gender-based discrimination in laws, social norms and practices that constrain women’s rights and opportunities. Fortunately, more countries recognise that their economies can only reach their full potential with the full participation of both women and men," he added.

Meanwhile, Ivanka Trump commended Emirati leaders for "removing barriers to women joining the workforce and developing a national strategy that recognises that women are central to sustainable growth".

This year's event will gather over 100 global leaders and experts, who will engage in a constructive dialogue on the advancement of women.

More than 3,000 delegates from 87 countries are also expected to attend workshops and sessions.