Mrs. Suzanne Mubarek inaugurated The Third Conference of the Arab International Women’s Forum which was held for the first time in an arab country and was hosted by the Arab League . Mrs. Mubarek gave the opening speech in which her Excellency tackled the developmental challenges that the Arab world faces among which : the increasing need for reform in all tracks – The need to increase resources devoted to research and innovation – Enhancing the role of women and her participation in the development process . Mrs. Suzanne Mubarek emphasised the role played by the Arab Woman Organization in increasing the Arab woman awareness of the challenges and difficulties facing her on her way to empowerment and knowledge , as well as providing the appropriate institutional framework through which all Arab women can coordinate their efforts to achieve their goals and aspirations of equity and participation.

Amr Moussa – The Secretary General of the League of Arab States stressed on the League determination to promote the Arab woman status in the Arab society . Moussa said that women constitute 40 % of the working force in the League , a percentage which is much higher than in the UN Agencies . Moreover , Moussa declared his intension to nominate female candidates to important leading positions in the League as a proof to the League faith with the remarkable capabilities of the Arab woman .

The Conference which was held for three days was attended by more than 200 personnel coming from the Arab world , the United States , the European Union , and Australia . The Conference discussed the challenges facing the woman in increasing her participation in public life and the world economy . It stressed the importance of enhancing woman role in the private sector and the civil society. The conference participants discussed partnerships across the Arab world as well as the ways in which women in the Arab world and other international markets advance their respective interests.

About the Arab International Women's Forum AIWF

The Arab International Women’s Forum stands unique as the first and only non-profit organisation set up in London to link Arab business and professional women  with each other and with their counterparts in the international community.

The Arab International Women’s Forum held two very successful conferences in London in 2002 and 2003. The first conference held in 2002; Women in the New Economic World Order: The Increasing Role of Arab Women in Business and Society attracted over 140 leading women from as many as 15 countries including those in the Arab world, North America, Europe, the United Kingdom, Australia and South America. The second annual conference in 2003; Women in the Arab World:  Windows of Opportunity Opening Wider in Business & Public Life, featured Guests of Honour HE Mrs Suzanne Mubarak, First Lady of the Arab Republic of Egypt, and HH Shaikha Sabeeka bint Ibraham Al Khalifa, Wife of HM the King of Bahrain. Close to 200 participants and guests came from over 30 countries.