Al ain: Under the directives of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the Mother of the Nation, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union (GWU), President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood (SCMC), and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF), the 21st UAE-Japan Women's Friendship Committee (FCW) convened in Al Ain. Under the theme 'Built to Last: Women Leading Sustainable Communities', the forum brought together diverse representatives including alumni to reflect on their journeys over the past decade. They shared insights into how the FCW has strengthened their leadership capabilities and supported their professional growth, particularly in the energy sector.
According to Emirates News Agency, attendees included Dr. Maitha bint Salem Al Shamsi, Minister of State and FCW Chairwoman; Ken Okaniwa, Ambassador of Japan to the UAE; Haruhiko Ando, CEO of the Japan Cooperation Centre for Petroleum and Sustainable Energy (JCCP); Fatema Al Nuaimi, CEO of ADNOC Gas; Yaser Saeed Al Mazrouei, Director of Digital Infrastructure, Commercial and Capital Projects at ADNOC; Tayba Al Hashemi, CEO of ADNOC Offshore; Dr. Ahmed Alebri, CEO of ADNOC Sour Gas; Ali Khalifa Al Shamsi, CEO of Emarat and FCW Committee Alumni; and representatives from Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.
During her keynote address, Dr. Al Shamsi conveyed the greetings of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, expressing her continued support for the forum. She emphasised that FCW has continued to strengthen bilateral relations between the UAE and Japan and promote the empowerment of women. Dr. Al Shamsi noted that the UAE-Japan Friendship Committee for Women Career Development has empowered future-ready leaders by enhancing their skills, expanding their professional networks, and connecting them with mentors who support their growth.
Haruhiko Ando highlighted the significance of being in Al Ain, a city reflecting the UAE's heritage and future ambition. He stated that the FCW demonstrates how purposeful action can drive change and develop women's leadership roles across the energy sector. The forum underscored the importance of diversity and inclusion and encouraged cross-sector collaboration to address challenges in the energy sector.
Fatema Al Nuaimi reinforced the importance of developing women at all stages of their careers. She mentioned that through continued partnership with Japan and initiatives such as mentorship and skills-building programs, ADNOC continues to develop and enable women with the tools and training to continue to play a leading role in the energy sector.
The forum has benefited more than 4,500 women from UAE, Japan, and other GCC countries, playing a crucial role in empowering women in the energy transformation journey. This year, the forum returned to Al Ain, where the committee was first established. The Japanese delegation explored Emirati culture through visits to heritage sites, gaining a deeper appreciation of the traditions and values that shaped the committee's early vision.