UAE Engages in BRICS Women Track Meetings to Promote Gender Balance

The UAE Gender Balance Council participated in the BRICS Women Track meetings held in Kochi, India, from July 6 to 9, 2026. During these meetings, discussions centered on enhancing women's roles in sustainable development, with a particular focus on leadership, financial inclusion, entrepreneurship, and climate action. The UAE actively engaged in dialogues at both the Women Working Group and Ministerial Meeting, showcasing its national strategies for gender balance and women's empowerment.

This participation is part of India's BRICS Presidency for 2026, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation in addressing gender issues. The UAE's involvement reflects its commitment to fostering policies that support women's empowerment across various sectors.

The BRICS Women Track meetings are significant as they bring together key stakeholders from member countries to discuss pressing issues related to gender equality. The UAE's participation underscores its position as a leader among Arab nations, having ranked first in the Global Gender Gap Report 2025. The UAE presented its integrated framework of policies for gender balance, including the We the UAE 2031 initiative, which aims to enhance women's representation in management positions.

Bilateral meetings were also held with ministers from India, Brazil, and Russia to discuss women's economic empowerment, further solidifying the UAE's role in international gender dialogue. This engagement is crucial as it aligns with the UAE's long-term vision of promoting gender balance as a cornerstone of sustainable development.

Looking ahead, the UAE is poised to continue its leadership in promoting gender balance and women's empowerment on an international scale. The discussions and partnerships formed during the BRICS meetings may lead to new initiatives aimed at enhancing women's participation in sustainable development. Stakeholders should watch for potential collaborations and policy developments that emerge from this engagement.

As the UAE sets a target for 30% representation of women in management positions by 2028, the implications for businesses and organizations are profound. The ongoing commitment to gender balance will likely drive meaningful change and foster a more inclusive economic landscape.