The 8th EU-GCC Business Forum, held in Doha on November 28, 2024, served as a dynamic platform for fostering stronger connections between Europe and the Gulf. Among the distinguished speakers was Yulia Stark, President of the European Women’s Association (EWA), who provided compelling insights into the critical role women play in driving cultural and economic cooperation.
Empowering Women to Lead Change
During her keynote address, Stark emphasized the transformative potential of empowering women to build inclusive and globally connected economies. She highlighted sustainable tourism and cultural exchange as key drivers of growth and innovation.
“Women are not just participants in economic development; they are the driving force behind innovation and change,” Stark stated. “By empowering women in areas such as tourism and culture, we can create more sustainable and globally connected economies.”
Moderating the “Cultural Bridges” Strategy Session
One of the forum’s standout sessions, “Cultural Bridges: Exploring Opportunities in Tourism and Cultural Exchange,” was moderated by Stark. The session attracted senior leaders and decision-makers from both regions and focused on sustainable tourism and managing heritage institutions.
Stark steered discussions on actionable strategies to empower women in creative industries and foster collaboration between European and Gulf cultural projects. Her expertise in bridging Eastern and Western perspectives was evident as she advocated for women’s leadership in driving innovation and cultural exchange.
A Vision for Sustainable Development
Throughout the forum, Stark underscored the importance of education, entrepreneurship, and gender-lens investing (GLI) as tools for achieving economic equality. These themes align with the sustainable development goals shared by the European Union and Gulf nations, highlighting the collaborative potential of both regions.
Building Bridges for the Future
The forum, themed “Strengthening EU-GCC Connectivity for a Sustainable Future,” explored a variety of critical topics, including the green economy, digital health, and cultural exchange. Stark’s contributions reflected the forum’s overarching goal of fostering inclusive and innovative partnerships.
As the forum concluded, Stark’s call for women’s leadership and her vision for building bridges between cultures and economies resonated strongly. Her work with the European Women’s Association continues to champion these efforts, reinforcing the importance of collaboration in achieving sustainable growth and progress.
Read the original article published in Doha.24 here.