Expo 2020 Dubai has unveiled the creative content and programs prepared for the Women's Pavilion in collaboration with Cartier to celebrate women change-makers around the world, reaffirming the international event's commitment to gender equality and women's empowerment. Expo 2020 is taking place in Dubai from October 1, 2021, to March 31, 2022 - it is the first World Expo hosted in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia, and the first World Expo since the 20th century to dedicate an independent pavilion for women.
The priority that Expo 2020 places on women’s empowerment and gender equality reflects the model presented by the United Arab Emirates in acknowledging the significance of the roles women play and the contributions of all members of society.
#### Shared Belief
From a shared belief that sustainable development goals and aspirations for a world characterized by peace and prosperity cannot be achieved without gender equality and women's empowerment, Expo 2020 and Cartier will unite their efforts to remind the world that the full and equal participation of women in all fields is essential for building a fairer and more just world.
Under the exhibition titled "New Horizons," the Women's Pavilion will invite visitors to learn about the pivotal roles women, both famous and unknown, have played from the dawn of history to the present day. In celebrating significant contributions, the pavilion will emphasize an important principle: humanity flourishes when women flourish. It will highlight the critical contributions women have made to the advancement of societies, as well as the challenges women still face, particularly amidst the world's struggle with the COVID-19 pandemic and the pursuit of a more sustainable future.
To break stereotypes and correct misconceptions about the role of women, the pavilion will raise awareness by highlighting contributions from both female and male advocates for women's empowerment and gender equality, inspiring visitors of all ages to become change-makers within and beyond their communities.
#### Notable Progress
Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director General of Expo 2020 Dubai, said, "The international community has made notable progress in terms of gender equality and women's empowerment, but there is still much work to be done. By welcoming visitors from around the world and all walks of life, Expo 2020 Dubai provides a unique and powerful platform to draw the necessary attention to this issue."
She added, "Both gender equality and women's empowerment have been fundamental principles of the United Arab Emirates since its founding 50 years ago. This is reflected in the initiatives of prominent leaders, foremost among them Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak and Her Highness Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum. We have practiced women's empowerment in the UAE as an integral part of national development, which has been strongly established over half a century of unprecedented growth. The pace of our growth will accelerate even further based on what we aim to achieve in the next fifty years. Unless we place gender equality and women’s empowerment at the heart of what we do, we will not make progress at the pace we need."
#### Growth Engine
Cyril VM. Vernier, President and CEO of Cartier International, stated, "At Cartier, we believe that empowering women has a multiplier effect: it contributes to driving economic growth and development, benefiting communities and humanity as a whole. With gender inequality still affecting women’s lives, it has become more essential than ever to demonstrate unity and synergy in promoting women's empowerment. We are honored to strengthen our long-term support for change-makers by collaborating with Expo 2020 Dubai to present the Women's Pavilion to a truly global audience. Now more than ever, we are committed to sharing our vision for a future that enables all women to reach their full potential and fosters a more inclusive community for future generations."
#### Women's Programs and Dialogues
Throughout the six months of Expo 2020 Dubai, the Women's Pavilion will host a range of meaningful events, programs, and dialogues that will go beyond enhancing understanding of gender equality and women's empowerment to stimulate tangible collaborative actions that can be shared with the world.
The events include a Global Women's Council addressing her role in building a cleaner, safer, and healthier world, and a series titled "Women in the Arabian Peninsula and Islam," highlighting real stories of women who have been at the forefront throughout history and who have inspired others worldwide to reach new horizons. Expo 2020 and Cartier will also celebrate International Women's Day on March 8, 2022, by hosting a global forum under the theme "Making New Impressions."
